Ja. Funk et al., Risk factors associated with Salmonella enterica prevalence in three-site swine production systems in North Carolina, USA, BERL MUN TI, 114(9-10), 2001, pp. 335-338
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health
Journal title
BERLINER UND MUNCHENER TIERARZTLICHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
The goal of this study was to identify risk factors associated with increas
ed fecal shedding of Salmonella enterica (SE) in groups of market swine rea
red in large three-site production units. We conducted an intensive, long-t
erm investigation of potential management and environmental risk factors op
erating during the growing phase of pig production. Data regarding finisher
site characteristics, biosecurity protocols, group growth performance, med
ication usage, and environmental temperature were collected. Results indica
te that SE infection is common. Risk factors were identified at both the fi
nisher site and group level. Biosecurity and hygiene practices (absence of
a toilet, more than 2 people present at a finisher site daily, and other do
mestic species at the site), environmental temperature (winter and spring s
easons, increased temperature variability, and below median high temperatur
e the day of sampling), and production performance (above median feed conve
rsion) were associated with elevated SE prevalence. In addition, an associa
tion between the floor space allowances per pig at the time of sampling (a
measure of the number of pigs sold prior to sampling) was identified, with
greater space allowance associated with decreased prevalence. The results o
f this study identify potential management practices for evaluation for SE
control and suggest caution in interpretation of fecal culture results when
sampling from different marketing groups in swine production systems.