How do horses catch salmonella off other horses?

Answer 1

First off, Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause intestinal disease (eg, diarrhea) in horses, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, cats, dogs, birds, and humans, along with several other species. Horses "catch" Salmonella from other horses by eating an infected animal's fecal matter. The animal that a horse gets Salmonella from doesn't necessarily have to be a horse. It can be any animal infected with Salmonella. Horses can pick up Salmonella from grazing in the pasture and accidentally eating infected fecal matter, eating infected feed, and drinking Salmonella fecal-infected water. Horses can have Salmonella in their system and not be sick. Studies show that as many as 20% of healthy horses shed salmonella bacteria in their manure. It is possible that a horse with Salmonella in its feces may show clinical signs if the organisms multiply and increase in number. In a hospital setting, this over-population occurs in times of stress such as times of stress, illness, and summer months. Therefore you must assume that any horse shedding Salmonella in its fecal matter is a potential risk to other horses until proven otherwise. The signs of Salmonella may vary. While one animal acts fine, a different horse may have severe issues that could prove fatal. Horses sick with Salmonella are referred to as having "salmonellosis". Diarrhea, which can range from "cow-pie" to "watery" diarrhea, is a common sign. Horses may exhibit signs of colic. Especially before they start to break out in diarrhea. Tenesmus, or straining to defecate, and shock are other signs. Salmonella can get into the blood stream and travel to different organs, including the liver, lungs, joints, lining of spinal cord, and many others. This can cause many different clinical problems. If you suspect your horse has Salmonella, contact your vet immediately and separate the infected horse from other horses. Salmonella is not something you should ignore.