Salmonellosis in calves: symptoms and treatment, the use of polyvalent serum

Under the salmonellosis of calves understand an acute infection, which is associated with infection with dangerous bacteria. In this case, the animals develop symptoms of fever, and the functioning of the digestive organs is disturbed. In difficult situations, the respiratory organs, including the lungs, suffer. To cope with the violation, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian in a timely manner.

Historical background, economic damage

Salmonol and Smith were the first to identify the causative agent. This happened back in 1885. Sexually mature individuals are more likely to get sick, which are able to transmit the infection to other animals and people.Salmonellosis is considered a common disease that occurs in many countries, and Russia is no exception. Economic damage is measured by a significant loss of young animals. At the same time, the pathology spreads rapidly and in a short time can lead to the defeat of the entire herd.

Pathogen and causes of the disease

Salmonellosis is caused by small sticks - on average, their size is 2-4 microns. They have rounded edges. All types of Salmonella, which provoke the defeat of young animals, die when exposed to a temperature of 70-75 degrees for 15-30 minutes. At the same time, they are able to endure freezing for 3-4 months. In feces, manure and water, Salmonella can live for several months.

Most often, the pathology develops in the spring - during calving. The main cause of infection is considered to be a significant weakening of the immune system in young animals and a violation of the overall resistance of the body to various viruses and bacteria.This is due to the lack of vitamins and minerals, unfavorable conditions.

Salmonellosis is especially dangerous for calves aged 10-60 days. First of all, weak or physically underdeveloped animals suffer. Infection occurs when drinking cow's milk, which is a carrier of salmonella.

Symptoms and course of pathology

Symptoms of pathology directly depend on the form of its course. However, it can be acute and chronic.

Sharp shape

In acute salmonellosis, calves have the following signs:

• general weakness - animals constantly lie down or sleep;
• fluid discharge from nose;
• temperature increase to 39-42 degrees;
• complete or partial loss of appetite;
• development of diarrhea - observed for 2-3 days;
• involuntary leakage of feces - occurs on the 5th day.

In acute salmonellosis, symptoms vary. Sometimes the standard manifestations include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough.

Chronic

Chronic salmonellosis has about the same symptoms. However, arthritis is also added to them. This form of pathology occurs in the absence of adequate treatment of an acute process. In this case, chronic salmonellosis may be present for 2-3 months. That is why it is so important to start therapy in a timely manner. In cows, the disease can be almost asymptomatic, as their body is more resistant to the disease.

How the disease is diagnosed

It is important to carry out differential diagnosis of salmonellosis with dyspepsia, pasteurellosis, colibacillosis. It is also important to distinguish pathology from a diplococcal or streptococcal infection. Diagnosis is recommended to be complex.

In this case, it is worth considering the epizootic situation. Of no small importance are symptoms, data from bacteriological examination and serological tests.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to send samples of the liver, spleen, lung tissue, gallbladder to the laboratory. To identify the carrier requires the study of the liver and spleen. To make a diagnosis in life, it is worth examining feces and blood.

Rules for the treatment of salmonellosis in cattle

Timely assistance will help prevent the mass death of animals and achieve a full recovery. In this case, it is recommended to carry out complex therapy. Its main tasks include the following:

• suppression of bacterial microorganisms;
• eliminate symptoms of intoxication;
• normalization of the digestive organs.

Before treating sick calves, it is recommended to do the following:

• isolate the sick animal in a separate room;
• keep the calf on a diet;
• create a suitable microclimate in the room - at the same time, indicators of humidity, ventilation, temperature matter;
• add vitamins and minerals to your diet to help boost your immune system.

Antibiotics

One of the most effective methods of combating salmonellosis is the use of antibacterial agents and sulfonamides. Before the introduction of the drug, it is necessary to evaluate the reaction of the animal to it. Most often, with salmonellosis, Levomycetin is used.It is recommended to use it in the amount of 0.04 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight. Before use, the composition should be mixed with water and fed to the calves. It is recommended to do this 3 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 2-3 days.

Also, with this diagnosis, it is permissible to use Tetracycline. The substance is given to calves in the amount of 0.02 grams per 1 kilogram of weight. No less effective is Synthomycin. At the same time, 0.02-0.04 grams should be used per 1 kilogram of body weight.

An effective treatment option is a combination of antibacterial drugs with sulfonamides - Sulcimide, Norsulfazol.

This treatment option is especially effective in chronic salmonellosis. It helps prevent pneumonia. In this case, the dosage of sulfonamides on the first day of treatment should be 0.1 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight.

Antitoxic Serum

On the first day of therapy, a polyvalent antitoxic serum is required. It is made on the basis of immunoglobulins and antitoxins of he althy animals. In this case, the agent is combined with antibiotics from the tetracycline group. It contributes to the formation of passive immunity to pathogens.

When treating calves, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for use. The drug is recommended to be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. In this case, animals up to 10 days are shown 5-10 cubic centimeters of serum. Calves 10-30 days old are injected with 20 cubic centimeters of the drug. To achieve maximum effect, the daily volume should be divided by 3-4 times. Serum helps to neutralize the activity of bacterial microorganisms, while antibiotics help to avoid the onset of pneumonia.

When the vaccine is indicated

Vaccination of calves is considered an effective method of preventing the development of salmonellosis. To prevent the disease, several types of drugs are used.For calves, however, the best option is the formol alum vaccine. It is worth vaccinating in the first 2-3 days of life. In this case, the drug is recommended to be administered subcutaneously - in the neck area. After 3-5 days, the procedure is carried out again.

Timely vaccination of pregnant cows is of particular importance. They should administer the medicine in 2 doses, making an interval of 8-10 days. For the first time, it is recommended to administer 10 cubic centimeters of the drug, for the second - 15. Pregnant heifers are vaccinated 50-60 days before birth. The effect of the drug lasts 6 months. Then the injections must be repeated. It is recommended to buy the vaccine only in special stores or veterinary pharmacies. When using the drug, it is important to strictly follow the instructions. It should be borne in mind that after vaccination, immunity in a calf does not form immediately - this happens only after 10-12 days.

Prevention measures

Treatment of salmonellosis is considered quite difficult. It is easier to prevent the occurrence of pathology. To do this, you should follow these rules:

• follow veterinary and sanitary recommendations for keeping calves;
• systematically treat rooms with disinfectants;
• avoid accumulation of waste products in cattle pens;
• competently complete the herd;
• provide animals with enough water;
• actively fight rodents and other pests;
• isolate infected individuals in a timely manner;
• Vaccinate on time.

Salmonellosis is considered a dangerous disease that can lead to the death of calves. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is recommended to immediately contact the veterinarian. To avoid the onset of the disease, it is worth vaccinating on time.

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