Results of the German investigation in the EU-Project "Salmonella in Pork (Salinpork)" Part 2: Investigations in a slaughterhouse

In 1997 bacteriological examinations for the distribution of Salmonella in slaughterhouses were carried out in Germany within the framework of an inte rnational study "Salmonella in Pork (Salinpork)". During 6 days, 1,200 swab and water samples from slaughtered pigs and the e nvironment were taken. 4.4 % of the samples (n = 53) were Salmonella positi ve. S. typhimurium was isolated mainly (69.8 %; n = 37), and 6 phagetypes w ere differentiated. In addition, S. derby and S. panama could be demonstrat ed. The resistance pattern of the different isolated S. typhimurium-phagety pes are presented. The phagetype DT 104 was multiresistant to ampicillin, s pectinomycin, streptomycin, sulphonamide and tetracycline. In comparison with the serological prevalence of 7.3 % of the fattening pig s in the farms (Part 1), only 1.0 % of the samples taken from the surface o f the carcass were Salmonella-positive. Swabs taken from the liver were in 2.7 % positive and samples from the tongue gave in 5.3 % of the cases Salmo nella-positive results. In the examination of the environment Salmonella wa s demonstrated mainly from the water outlets, whereas Salmonella could not be isolated from water of the scalding tank. There was only one case (0.7 % ) in which Salmonella could be isolated from the hands of the personnel, an d also only one swab of the polishing machine was positive (1.1 %). But 6.7 % samples of the saw were Salmonella-positive. A comparison of repeated, at intervals taken samples showed that the number of Salmonella-positive samples was higher in the last examination round of the particular slaughter days. The reason is suspected in the increasing n umber of slaughtered pigs and supplying farms, which may increase the proba bility of bringing in Salmonella.