Bacteriological culture methods were compared with PCR based protocols (multiplex PCR and TaqMan assay) for the rapid detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) in market weight hogs and pork products. The prevalence of YE was compared in lairaged hogs (n=150) versus hogs transported directly to the farm (n=150). By bacteriological culture, YE was not detected in any of the hog tissues tested but was detected by multiplex PCR and TaqMan assay. We also screened ground pork and chitterlings for the presence of YE. By standard culture, YE was detected in chitterlings (8%). By multiplex PCR, YE was identified in ground pork (10%) and chitterlings (27%). TaqMan assay identified YE in ground pork (44%) and chitterlings (79%).