Epidemiology of Salmonella infection in calves: the source of calfhood infection by Salmonella dublin.

Investigation of the source of neonatal Salmonella dublin infection of calves was undertaken by carrying out caesarean section of cows with a history of excretion of S dublin following either S dublin enteritis or S dublin abortion. No evidence of transplacental infection was detected but six of 10 animals showed evidence of excretion of the organism in the faeces, vaginal discharge or milk in the period immediately following parturition. The strong probability of early infection as a result of contamination of the environment is therefore suggested.