Occurrence ofSalmonellain the Ileum, Ileocolic Lymph Nodes, Tonsils, Mandibular Lymph Nodes and Carcasses of Pigs Slaughtered for Consumption

Abstract

Summary: This study evaluates the occurrence ofSalmonellain pork carcasses and in some risk tissues (ileum, ileocolic and mandibular lymph nodes and tonsils), that can be involved inSalmonellacontamination during slaughter.Salmonellawas identified in 27 (26.7%) pigs and in 13 (12.9%) carcasses. From these positive carcasses, 69.2% presented the same serotype as that identified in the corresponding pig, which emphasize the pigs importance as a source ofSalmonelladuring the slaughter, suggesting that measures should be taken at the level of pig production in order to reduce the slaughtering ofSalmonella‐positive animals. The highest value ofSalmonellaoccurrence was reached in the ileocolic lymph nodes (18.8%) and in the ileum (13.9%), representingSalmonellapotential faecal source during pork processing at the abattoir. In these samples, a high level ofSalmonellawas observed in the ileocolic lymph nodes in comparison with the ileum. The mandibular lymph nodes (12.9%) also presented a higher occurrence in comparison with the tonsils (9.9%). These results indicate that the lymph nodes analysis could be more sensitive in the detection ofSalmonellathan the closer drainage tissue. Otherwise, the presence ofSalmonellain the lymph nodes indicates lymphatic spread of the organism, which reflects an increased risk of pork contamination. These results also indicate that, in order to achieve a better control ofSalmonellacontamination during the slaughter process, it is important to consider the improvement of the evisceration practices and the tonsils as well the extraction of mandibular lymph nodes after slaughter.