OCCURRENCE, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF SALMONELLA ISOLATES IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY CALVES AND KIDS IN SELECTED FARMS OF EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Livestock producers have a strong demand in raising healthy calves and kids as a basis for a persistent and high productivity. Salmonella is among a leading cause of economic losses to the cattle and goat production with major cause of calf and kid mortality and morbidity during first few weeks of life. The present study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella in calves and kids and identify potential risk factors associated with its occurrence. A cross sectional study design was undertaken in selected farms of eastern Ethiopia from January 2021 to July 2021. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 young ruminants of 205 kids and 179 calves by simple random sampling from selected farms in Dire Dawa, Haramaya and Harar towns. Culture based and biochemical tests were used to isolate and identify Salmonella occurrence. Salmonella isolates were tested for the effects of eight antimicrobials by disk diffusion technique. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of Salmonella in the fecal samples was found to be 5.21%. The prevalence of 7.3% (13/179) in calves and 3.4% (7/205), in kids were recorded. Associated risk factor analysis was conducted using chi square and binary logistic regression analysis. There were a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of Salmonella between poor and good farm hygiene, season of sampling and time of colostrums feeding. There was no statistically significant variation (P>0.05) observed in the prevalence of Salmonella infection in other risk factors. All isolates were resistant to three or more of the tested antimicrobials. Hundred percent (100%) of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and Ampicillin. However, all of the isolates (100%) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Gentamycin, Chloramphenicol, and kanamycin had shown good inhibitory potential for the majority of tested Salmonella isolates. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of Salmonella in young calves and kids. Moreover, hygienic management of the farms, timing of colostrums feeding and wise use of antimicrobials are also recommended.