Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Dublin Outbreak Spreads from Cattle to Humans

According to a recent study, the dangerous Salmonella Dublin bacterium, commonly found in cattle, has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and is now spreading to humans through contaminated beef, milk, cheese, or direct contact with infected cows. Researchers from Penn State University examined over 2,150 Salmonella Dublin strains and found that the bacteria from cattle, humans, and the environment are genetically similar, making it easier for the infection to spread across species.

The study revealed that the cattle strains have the highest levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to drugs used to treat infections, such as tetracycline and cephalosporins. This means that as of August 2025, infections may become harder to treat, potentially leading to longer illnesses or more severe symptoms for both people and animals. The researchers warn that the United States, being a major beef and dairy producer, is at an even greater risk of this superbug turning into a widespread health emergency.

Salmonella Dublin infections have been particularly severe, with 78% of cases requiring hospitalization and 4.2% resulting in death between 2005 and 2013. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella bacteria, including Dublin, cause about 1.2 million illnesses every year in the US. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treats Salmonella outbreaks as high-risk health emergencies, often issuing urgent recalls to prevent the spread of the bacteria.