Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Wisconsin Dairy Bull Calves

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Dairy, Livestock

The Centers for Disease Control has linked a multi-state salmonella outbreak of a multidrug-resistant salmonella strain to dairy bull calves from livestock markets in Wisconsin. The CDC says it is working with Wisconsin health and agriculture agencies, along with several other states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to investigate the outbreak.

Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the outbreak has infected 21 people from eight states, and the first illness was reported in January of this year. Dairy bull calves are young, male cattle that have not been castrated and may be raised for meat.

15 of 19 infected subjects interviewed by the CDC reported contact with dairy bull calves or other cattle the week before becoming ill. Laboratory testing concluded the outbreak is likely linked to ill calves.

(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters News Service)