Researchers Warn That the Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Dublin Superbug, Found in Cattle, Is Spreading to Humans Through Contaminated Dairy Products.
A new report reveals a growing and dangerous threat from the superbug Salmonella Dublin, which is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Typically found in cattle, this bacterium can now spread to humans through contaminated dairy products like milk and cheese, as well as through direct contact with infected cows. Researchers warn that this superbug could soon become untreatable in humans.
Findings published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology highlight the genetic connection between strains found in different sources. Researchers from Penn State University examined over 2,150 Salmonella Dublin strains from cattle, humans, and the environment, discovering they were all genetically identical. According to lead author Erika Ganda, this interconnectedness across species means that control efforts must be holistic, considering animals, humans, and the environment.
The study found that cattle strains of Salmonella Dublin exhibit the highest levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to drugs like tetracycline and cephalosporins. While the bacterium usually causes severe illness or death in cattle, it can lead to dangerous blood infections in humans. If these infections become untreatable, they pose a significant threat, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
This research, which analyzed samples collected in the U.S. from 2002 to 2023, underscores a critical public health concern for the dairy industry. As a major producer of beef and dairy, the United States is at a heightened risk. The findings call for enhanced surveillance, a reduction in the use of antibiotics in livestock, and the development of new public health policies to address this spreading threat.
For the international dairy community, this report serves as a major warning. It emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to food safety and animal health. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Salmonella Dublin is a complex challenge that requires a unified response from farmers, regulators, and scientists to protect both herds and human health. This issue is a crucial data point for anyone involved in dairy economics.
Source: CNBC-TV18, “Salmonella Dublin, a fatal cattle-borne superbug, is spreading to humans”
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