Pilot experiment with the aim to reduce salmonella prevalence in pork by logistic slaughter of pigs
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The SafePork conference series began in 1996 to bring together international researchers, industry, and government agencies to discuss current Salmonella research and identify research needs pertaining to both pig and pork production. In subsequent years topics of research presented at these conferences expanded to include other chemical and biological hazards to pig and pork production.
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Abstract
A pilot experiment was carried out with the aim to evaluate the possibilities and results of logistic slaughter of pigs (separate slaughter of salmonella-free and salmonella-infected pig herds) under usual circumstances in a Dutch slaughterhouse. During the experiment salmonella-free herds were delivered and slaughtered on Tuesday mornings. Herds delivered on Thursday mornings served as a control group. No significant difference could be found in the number of salmonella-positive carcasses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This was mainly caused by contamination of carcasses by contaminated slaughter equipment; 80% of all salmonella strains on carcasses were equal to strains isolated from slaughter equipment. If these salmonella strains were not included in the results, logistic slaughter did result in a significantly lower prevalence of salmonella on carcasses on Tuesdays. It was concluded that separate slaughter of salmonella free pig herds can result in a lower salmonella prevalence on carcasses, but only if slaughter hygiene and especially cleaning and disinfection before and during processing will be improved.