Salmonellosis Disease Guidelines

Salmonellosis is a clinical disease resulting from infection with Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica. Salmonella is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria with >2,500 serovars (aka serotypes).

Clinically normal horses can transiently shed Salmonella, with shedding more common at times of stress (e.g., long-distance transportation, severe systemic disease, parturition).

Horses can be asymptomatic shedders or develop clinical disease, characterized by nonspecific signs including fever, diarrhea, leukopenia, and colic. Infections may result in endotoxemia and laminitis (a common sequel to enterocolitis).

Risk factors for the development of salmonellosis in horses include poor environmental hygiene, immunosuppression, stress, commingling of horses, or antimicrobial administration.