Patterns of Salmonella excretion in market swine.

Abstract

In a longitudinal study of Salmonella excretion in market swine and its relationship to feed and environment it became apparent that some factors not previously described were influencing the results. Pigs that were not excreting salmonellae on the farm, as measured by rectal swabs, were found excreting in abattoir pens after 4 hr. of transport Both feed origin and abattoir pen origin Salmonella types were identified at the abattoir. The stress of transport probably resulted in Salmonella excretion in farm infected pigs. These pigs were also examined in pens after a 12-19 hr. holding period. There was a decrease in excretion at this time. This was apparently due to a release from stress and adaptation to a new environment The swine-pork product Salmonella cycle may be complicated by factors that need to be further studied and considered before control measures are suggested.