Research to Identify Salmonella Origins in Swine and Pork Products

October 31, 2006 — 

A USDA research study designed by Iowa State University veterinarians Annette O'Connor and James McKean will explore the link, if any, between on-farm and carcass Salmonella isolations.

The study calls for on-farm sampling of pigs and their environment prior to shipment to slaughter. These groups will again be sampled at various locations in the lairage and within the packing plant. Researchers will compare Salmonella isolated from each stage as to their type and genetic profiles in an attempt to identify genetic matches to salmonellas isolated on carcasses.

The goal is to determine the potential effectiveness of on-farm interventions directed at reducing the presence of Salmonella on pork carcasses at the slaughter plant. The research should help direct intervention strategies and resource expenditures.

Source:
Pork Magazine