Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni: its possible significance in enteric disease of calves and lambs.

Fecal samples from 127 diarrheic and 3 healthy beef calves, representing 25 herds with enteric disease, were cultured for Campylobacter, using filtration and a selective medium. Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni (CFJ) was isolated from 51 (40%) of the diarrheic calves representing 14 (56%) herds and from the 3 clinically healthy calves (1 each in 3 of these 14 herds). Campylobacter fetus subsp intestinalis was not isolated from the calves. Fecal samples from 36 diarrheic and 20 healthy lambs representing 8 ranches were negative for Campylobacter. Isolates of CFJ from aborted lambs and from the feces of calves, ducks, dogs, and persons, appeared identical from the standpoint of morphology and physiologic reactions. In 12 calves and 5 lambs fed cultures, CFJ became colonized. Three of the calves developed diarrhea, but 2 were compromised by other disorders at the time of challenge exposure. None of the other calves or lambs developed diarrhea, but 10 of the calves and all of the lambs had frank or occult blood in the feces. Lamb intestinal loops were not distended by cultures of CFJ, but some cultures caused pathologic changes in the loops. None of 10 cultures of CFJ tested caused diarrhea in infant mice. Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni is apparently capable of causing irritation and pathologic changes in the intestinal tract of young calves and lambs. Additional studies are needed to assess the role of CFJ in spontaneous enteric disease of calves.