Equine Salmonella Infections (Salmonellosis): Background, Research Paper

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Heightened temperature (fever) is almost always apparent, and diarrhea is another nearly-universal symptom other possible symptoms of an equine salmonella infection include a loss of appetite, colic, depression, and in some instances certain ulcers and bloating (Johnson 2010; Lane et al. 1992). Most cases of salmonella present only some of these symptoms, rather than all of them, and most of the symptoms are located (as might be expected) along the gastrointestinal tract. Certain joint ailments and other disorders can occur form prolonged infection, however, and death is the likely result of many extreme cases of infection, or even untreated mild and moderate cases (GPA 2010).

Treatment

There are many different identified methods of treatment depending on the severity of the infection and how early it is caught. Isolation of infected horses and regular disinfecting of stalls with a variety of common cleansers while providing a stress free is environment is usually effective in early mild cases (Johnson 2010). In more severe cases, the replacement of fluids lost from diarrhea, often intravenously, and other symptoms can be treated to reduce stress, but resistance to antibiotics is common and the infections usually must be waited out rather than combated outright (Reich & Langor 2005; Lane et al. 1992).

The best treatment for salmonella infections, as for any disease, is to prevent infections from occurring in the first place inasmuch as is possible.

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This is accomplished largely through the isolation of infected horses; though infections generally run their course within seven to ten days, infected animals will continue shedding the bacteria for up to four months following an infection (Reich & Langor 2005). Preventative measures that can be taken to forestall an initial occurrence include covering horse food bins to prevent contamination of feed, ensuring adequate clean water supplies, general cleanliness including regular hand washing -- especially when dealing with multiple horses, and the isolating of newly arrived horses for three weeks while monitoring their health (GPA 2010; Lane et al. 1992). With proper preventative measures, incidents of salmonella infections in adult horses are rare and easily treated, whereas improper facilities management can lead to epidemics that are more fatal and highly difficult to manage (Johnson 2010).

Conclusion

Salmonella infections in horses is a largely preventable occurrence, and given the potential for fatality when infections are allowed to become more prevalent and/or more virulent, it makes a great deal of practical and ethical sense to maintain cleanliness in order to avoid equine salmonellosis. Effective treatments for many types of the bacteria do exist, but the preventative measures that have been identified work for all strains, and help to promote general health as well......

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https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/equine-salmonella-infections-salmonellosis-2264