Salmonellosis in horses is the topic of the latest episode of Morris Animal Foundation’s “Fresh Scoop” podcast, available now for streaming and download. Host Dr. Kelly Diehl, the Foundation’s Senior Director of Science and Communications, speaks with the University of Georgia’s Dr. Brandy Burgess, an epidemiologist and infectious disease expert.
The two discuss what we know about the bacterial disease, current management strategies and challenges it poses to veterinarians. Dr. Burgess also talks about her current Foundation-funded research, which is determining the duration of salmonella shedding among test-positive horses.
Salmonellosis is one of the most common bacterial diseases of adult horses, causing diarrhea and, in some cases, even death. Infection can occur via contamination of the environment, feed or water, or by contact with animals actively shedding the bacteria. An ever-present fear for equine veterinarians and horse owners, Salmonellosis is easily transmitted from horse to horse and can also pass to other animals as well as pose a risk to people.