S. DUBLIN: Target biocontrol strategy to combat Salmonella Dublin in dairy cattle

Bacteria belonging to the Salmonella species are known to infect a variety of different animals as well as humans. While strains of the Salmonella Dublin serovar can be transmitted to humans, they mainly infect bovines. These Salmonella infections are particularly dangerous for cows in the third trimester of gestation, causing possible abortion, and for calves, for which it can lead to a high death rate. Furthermore, previously infected cows that survived can act as latent carriers, not expressing symptoms but able to transmit the disease to others. Current treatment of these infections involves antibiotics, which may lose efficacy. We, therefore, aim to utilize bacteriophages against Salmonella Dublin infections.

Bacteriophages are viruses that can kill targeted pathogens without harming beneficial bacteria, therefore representing an alternative to antibiotics. This project will combine selected bacteriophages with different properties in a phage cocktail to target many S. Dublin strains prevalent in Denmark. By testing their survival in the cow’s rumen and stables, we will gain knowledge about the stability of phages in an agricultural setting, allowing possible future agricultural phage applications.

MF logoMælkeafgiftsfonden supports this project.

For more information, please contact Professor Lone Brøndsted lobr@sund.ku.dk