In neonatal calves (2–6 weeks), Salmonella infection typically presents with which finding?

In neonatal calves (2–6 weeks), Salmonella infection typically presents with which finding?

• A. Fever and diarrhea with rapid progression to death
• B. Cough and nasal discharge
• C. Subclinical infection only
• D. Neurological signs

Answer: (A)

In neonatal calves, Salmonella infection in the 2–6 week period most often presents as an acute enteric disease with fever and diarrhea that can rapidly progress to severe dehydration and septicemia, sometimes resulting in death. This pattern reflects the bacteria’s tendency to cause intestinal inflammation plus systemic illness when the calves’ defenses are still immature. The fever and diarrhea combination is typical because the gut is the primary site of disease, and the systemic involvement explains how the condition can deteriorate quickly. The other options don’t fit the usual presentation. Cough and nasal discharge point to respiratory infections rather than enteric disease. Subclinical infection means no signs, which is uncommon in neonatal Salmonella when it causes active disease. Neurological signs aren’t a common feature of Salmonella enteritis in this age group, though severe illness can cause general weakness and depression.

In neonatal calves, Salmonella infection in the 2–6 week period most often presents as an acute enteric disease with fever and diarrhea that can rapidly progress to severe dehydration and septicemia, sometimes resulting in death. This pattern reflects the bacteria’s tendency to cause intestinal inflammation plus systemic illness when the calves’ defenses are still immature. The fever and diarrhea combination is typical because the gut is the primary site of disease, and the systemic involvement explains how the condition can deteriorate quickly.

The other options don’t fit the usual presentation. Cough and nasal discharge point to respiratory infections rather than enteric disease. Subclinical infection means no signs, which is uncommon in neonatal Salmonella when it causes active disease. Neurological signs aren’t a common feature of Salmonella enteritis in this age group, though severe illness can cause general weakness and depression.