There is NO vaccine to protect horses against Salmonella. Thus, environmental and equipment disinfection, isolation of sick or new horses, good hand hygiene, and education are critical to an infection prevention program, writes Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. He says it is easy for horses to make contact with the insidious bacteria as they move from venue to venue. Pantaleon also cautions about of the potential zoonotic impact to horse owners.
There are three types of infected horses: silent carriers (those infected but without clinical signs and not shedding), subclinical carriers (no clinical signs) with fecal shedding, and shedders with clinical signs.”
Source: The Horse, August 6, 2019. Link. Dr. Pantaleon urges veterinarians and horse owners to focus on the environment factors that contribute to Salmonella risks. Salmonella can survive on surfaces for months to years, depending on moisture, temperature, and bacterial type. It survives on fomites and in surface biofilms which add to the transfer potential.
INSIGHTS: Dr. Pantaleon reinforces the importance of client education and infection control coaching. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and for 4-H and FFA sessions. An infection control assessment is a great opportunity for a new practitioner to offer to clients. It is an easy get-to-know-each-other reason for a farm call.