Assessment of the long-term shedding pattern of Salmonella serovar choleraesuis following experimental infection of neonatal piglets

In the United States, swine salmonellosis is most often attributed to infections by Salmonella serovar choleraesuis. As a host-adapted pathogen rarely found in nonswine sources, S. choleraesuis is thought to be spread primarily via horizontal transmission, with carrier animals playing an important role. Little has been reported regarding infection of neonatal piglets, particularly regarding their potential to become carriers. Evidence reported herein demonstrates that piglets experimentally infected by S. choleraesuis at 2 days of age were capable of shedding the pathogen for up to 85 days postinfection, at which time the study was concluded. This study also presents findings supporting the use of GN-Hajna as a preenrichment medium for the isolation of S. choleraesuis.