Prevalence of salmonella faecal shedding in at‐risk hospitalised cases in an equine hospital in New Zealand: A pilot study

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundSalmonella is an important veterinary pathogen contributing to gastrointestinal disease in horses and foals. Hospital biosecurity is an important consideration in preventing transmission between cases and zoonotic transmission. The prevalence of salmonella in horses in equine hospitals has previously been reported in the United States and Australia. However, to date, it has not been reported in New Zealand.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of salmonella faecal shedding in at‐risk cases undergoing testing by repeated faecal culture or faecal PCR in an equine hospital in the North Island of New Zealand.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsMedical records from a 2‐year period (July 2018 to June 2020) were reviewed. Cases identified by the treating clinician as at‐risk of salmonella, and subsequently tested with repeated faecal culture (at least three samples) or faecal PCR were included for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used, and prevalence data reported with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsA total of 28 horses were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of salmonella in the study population was 10.7% (n = 3/28, 95% CI 3.1–25.9%).Main limitationsSmall sample size (n = 28) and retrospective study design provide support for further investigation.ConclusionsThe prevalence of salmonella in the study population is comparable to previous reports in the United States. Further research into the prevalence and risk factors associated with faecal shedding of salmonella in hospitalised horses in New Zealand is warranted.