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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #66160
Title: PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA ORGANISMS IN SWINE FEED

Author
item HARRIS, ISABEL - 3630-14-00
item CRAY, PAULA - 3630-14-00
item GRAY, JEFFERY - 3630-14-00
item THOMAS, L - USDA, FSIS, NVSL
item FERRIS, K - USDA, APHIS, NVSL

Submitted to: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/26/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Infection of swine with Salmonella species results in millions of dollars in lost income to the swine industry. Additionally, swine are known carriers of Salmonella which may result in foodborne disease if consumers eat contaminated pork products. Animal feeds are known to be contaminated with Salmonella and may be one way in which swine become infected with Salmonella. We surveyed swine feeds on 30 farms to determine if they are source of Salmonella. Additionally, we looked at the management characteristics of the farm in order to determine if there were any factors which may increase the likelihood that feeds will become contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella was found in feeds on 47% (14) of the farms. However, of a total of 1,264 samples, only 36 (2.9%) were positive. Several management characteristics may influence the likelihood that feeds will become contaminated and include lack of bird-proofing, preparing feeds son the farm versus buying prepared feeds, and raising pigs in buildings that are not isolated. This study shows that sampling feeds may be a good place to culture for Salmonella on a farm. Also, if bird-proofing, purchase of commercial feeds, and raising swine in isolation can be started, there is a good possibility that feeds will not become contaminated with Salmonella. This translates into fewer pigs which have Salmonella and ultimately means a more safe and wholesome product for the consumer.

Technical Abstract: Samples of feed and feed ingredients were collected from 30 pig farms in eight states and cultured for the presence of Salmonella spp. At the same time, information was gathered on physical and managerial characteristics of each farm. Salmonellae were isolated from at least one feed or ingredient in 14 (47%) of the 30 herds surveyed, representing five states. Of a total of 1,264 samples, salmonellae were isolated from 36 (2.9%). Thirteen different serotypes and two that were untypable were isolated. The finding of Salmonella spp. in the feed had a statistically significant association with six of the herd characteristics surveyed, including the lack of bird-proofing measures employed on the farm (p = 0.03), using finisher feed that was prepared on the farm versus purchasing such feed (p = 0.008), and housing pigs in facilities other than total confinement for the growing (p < 0.025), finishing (p < 0.025), gestation (OR = 27, 95% CI: :1.305-555.57), and breeding (p < 0.005) stages of production. These data suggest that certain management practices may be related to the occurrence of Salmonella spp. in the farm feed environment.