Impact of commercial pre-harvest processes on the prevalence of Salmonellaenterica in cull sows

This study examined the impact of transport and lairage on Salmonella enter ica prevalence in cull sows held under commercial conditions. Five sampling periods over 10 weeks yielded 181 selected culls. Fecal sample positives a t the farm and collection point were 2 % and 3 %, respectively. After trans port and lairage 41 % of cull sows yielded S. enterica in one or more sampl ed tissues. A significant increase in cecal isolations was observed. The tw o S. enterica serotypes found at the production site and collection point w ere found at the abattoir, as were 13 other serotypes. Transport and lairag e practices may contribute to an increased S. enterica contamination immedi ately prior to slaughter.