Signs & Symptoms of Salmonella in Calves

Salmonella is an intestinal bacterium that affects cattle of all ages, especially those who are pregnant, young or stressed. Being familiar with signs and symptoms of salmonella in calves can help you recognize the infection more quickly and prevent unnecessary calf losses on your farm.

  1. Infection

    • Calves develop salmonella signs and symptoms when they consume milk, feed, water or grass that has been infected by the bacteria.

    Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of salmonella in calves include large amounts of foul-smelling or bloody diarrhea with a possible fever and rapid breathing. Without prompt treatment, your calf may quickly develop dehydration (lack of sufficient body fluids).

    Age

    • Your calf may develop signs and symptoms of salmonella at any age, but calves under the age of 3 weeks with salmonella symptoms are more likely to suffer from dehydration and die.

    Symptom Prevention

    • The New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program suggests you minimize outbreaks of salmonella signs and symptoms in your calves by reducing instances of infected stool coming in contact with feed, feed and water containers and cattle equipment.

    Considerations

    • If your calf has signs and symptoms of salmonella, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after caring for the animal, since you could contract the infection and develop symptoms yourself by ingesting contaminated stool.