An investigation into the potential hazard to animal health of effluent sludge from dairy factories

SUMMARY Sixty-three samples of the more solid material (sludge) separated from the effluent plants of dairy factories were examined for the presence of salmonellas and brucellas. Salmonellas were isolated from two samples (S. heidelberg. [1]; S. indiana [1]). No brucellas were isolated. None of the samples supported the growth of S. dublin. Salmonellas added to effluent sludge at a concentration of 106 organisms/ml, survived less than 70 days. The sludge from dairy factory effluent plants does not appear to be a source for the spread of salmonellosis or brucellosis.