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.
