Longitudinal study of Salmonella species in 90 Alberta swine finishing farms

Sows affect their piglets' faecal microbiota until fattening but not their Salmonella enterica shedding status

Recent studies have shown that Salmonella shedding status affects sows' microbiota during gestation and that these modifications are reflected in the faecal microbiota of their piglets at weaning. The aims of this study were: (a) to evaluate the persistence, up to the fattening period, of the previously measured link between the microbiota of piglets and their mothers' Salmonella shedding status; and (b) measure the impact of the measured microbiota variations on their Salmonella excretion at this stage. To achieve this, 76 piglets born from 19 sows for which the faecal microbiota was previously documented, were selected in a multisite production system. The faecal matter of these swine was sampled after 4 weeks, at the fattening stage. The Salmonella shedding status and faecal microbiota of these animals were described using bacteriological and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing respectively. The piglet digestive microbiota association with the Salmonella shedding status of their sows did not persist after weaning and did not affect the risk of Salmonella excretion during fattening, while the birth mother still affected the microbiota of the swine at fattening. This supports the interest in sows as a target for potentially transferrable microbiota modifications.

Identifying Active Salmonella Infections in Swine Nurseries Using Serology and Bacterial Culture and Evaluating Associated Risk Factors

The objectives of this study were: to identify nursery cohorts with an active Salmonella infection using combined serological and bacteriological methods, and to try to identify risk factors associated with swine nurseries with active Salmonella spread. Twenty pigs from each of 50 cohorts of weaned pigs from 44 different nursery barns were sampled about the time of weaning and near the end of the nursery stage. Information regarding farm management and biosecurity practices were collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained at both visits, while rectal swabs were collected at the second visit. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test sera for Salmonella antibodies and rectal samples were cultured for Salmonella. A nursery cohort was identified as having an active Salmonella infection if Salmonella was cultured from one or more of the 20 pigs or if serological evidence suggested exposure to Salmonella. The association between farm-level management covariates and active Salmonella infection was assessed in 46 cohorts using a logistic regression model. Nine of 46 (20%) cohorts produced Salmonella-free pigs. The remaining 37 (80%) cohorts were classified as having an active infection. Examination of risk factors failed to identify how negative and positive nurseries differed.

Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Subspecies enterica Serovar Infantis of Multilocus Sequence Type 2283 in German Broiler Farms

During the last decade, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) has become more prevalent across Europe with an increased capability to persist in broiler farms. In this study, we aimed to identify potential genetic causes for the increased emergence and longer persistence of S. Infantis in German poultry farms by high-throughput-sequencing. Broiler derived S. Infantis strains from two decades, the 1990s (n = 12) and the 2010s (n = 18), were examined phenotypically and genotypically to detect potential differences responsible for increased prevalence and persistence. S. Infantis organisms were characterized by serotyping and determining antimicrobial susceptibility using the microdilution method. Genotypic characteristics were analyzed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) to detect antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes as well as plasmids. To detect possible clonal relatedness within S. Infantis organisms, 17 accessible genomes from previous studies about emergent S. Infantis were downloaded and analyzed using complete genome sequence of SI119944 from Israel as reference. In contrast to the broiler derived antibiotic-sensitive S. Infantis strains from the 1990s, the majority of strains from the 2010s (15 out of 18) revealed a multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenotype that encodes for at least three antimicrobials families: aminoglycosides [ant(3“)-Ia], sulfonamides (sul1), and tetracyclines [tet(A)]. Moreover, these MDR strains carry a virulence gene pattern missing in strains from the 1990s. It includes genes encoding for fimbriae clusters, the yersiniabactin siderophore, mercury and disinfectants resistance and toxin/antitoxin complexes. In depth genomic analysis confirmed that the 15 MDR strains from the 2010s carry a pESI-like megaplasmid with resistance and virulence gene patterns detected in the emerged S. Infantis strain SI119944 from Israel and clones inside and outside Europe. Genotyping analysis revealed two sequence types (STs) among the resistant strains from the 2010s, ST2283 (n = 13) and ST32 (n = 2). The sensitive strains from the 1990s, belong to sequence type ST32 (n = 10) and ST1032 (n = 2). Therefore, this study confirms the emergence of a MDR S. Infantis pESI-like clone of ST2283 in German broiler farms with presumably high tendency of dissemination. Further studies on the epidemiology and control of S. Infantis in broilers are needed to prevent the transfer from poultry into the human food chain.

Evaluation of group vaccination of sows and gilts against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds

Subclinical Salmonella Typhimurium infections occur frequently in pigs and constitute a major risk for human salmonellosis. With the currently available control measures, Salmonella Typhimurium infections in pigs remain difficult to control. Vaccination has been proposed to be an effective tool to control infections at farm level. In the current study, the effect of group vaccination of sows and gilts against Salmonella Typhimurium is evaluated on Salmonella prevalence in fecal and overshoe samples and ileocecal lymph nodes, and on serology in the sows and their offspring in three subclinically infected pig farms. In each farm, all sows and gilts were vaccinated twice, three weeks apart, with an attenuated histidine-adenine auxotrophic vaccine (Salmoporc®, IDT Biologika). From three months after the group vaccination onwards, all sows were given a booster dose three weeks before every farrowing. The farms were monitored bacteriologically and serologically from 12 months before until 15 months after the group vaccination. After group vaccination, no significant effect was detected in the prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium in the fecal and overshoe samples collected in the sows (before: 2 %, after: 0 %) and their offspring at 18 weeks (before: 17 %, after: 11 %) and at 26 weeks of age (before: 15 %, after: 7 %), and when combining the results of the offspring at 18 and 26 weeks of age (before: 16 %, after: 9 %). Also, no significant effect was detected in the prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium positive lymph nodes of sows (before and after: 0 %) and their offspring (before: 4 %, after: 7 %). Regarding serology, the mean S/P-ratios of the sows were significantly higher after the group vaccination, compared to before group vaccination (before: 1.50, after: 2.32, p < 0.001). The mean S/P-ratios of the offspring at slaughter age were significantly lower after the group vaccination, compared to before group vaccination (before: 1.71, after: 1.04, p = 0.001). In conclusion, group vaccination of sows and gilts resulted in a more beneficial serological status of the offspring, but did not significantly decrease Salmonella Typhimurium excretion and lymph node contamination.

Bacteriological evaluation of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds

Subclinical infections with Salmonella Typhimurium occur frequently in pigs. They constitute a risk for human salmonellosis and are difficult to control with currently available control measures. Vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium in pigs can be an effective tool to control Salmonella infections at farm level. In the present study, the efficacy of an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine (Salmoporc®, IDT Biologika) to control Salmonella infections in pigs was evaluated in three subclinically infected pig herds. The effect on Salmonella excretion and the number of pigs positive for Salmonella Typhimurium field and vaccine strains in ileocecal lymph nodes at slaughter were evaluated using five different vaccination strategies: 1. vaccination of sows, 2. vaccination of sows and piglets, 3. vaccination of sows and fattening pigs, 4. vaccination of piglets, 5. vaccination of fattening pigs, which were all compared to a non-vaccinated control group (experimental group 6). Each vaccination strategy was implemented in each farm, during two consecutive production cycles of the same sows. The prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain excretion was low; in total, 4% of the fecal and overshoe samples collected in the non-vaccinated control group were Salmonella Typhimurium field strain positive. The excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain did not significantly differ between farms, production cycles and experimental groups. Applying vaccination in either sows and piglets, sows and fattening pigs, or in piglets only, resulted in a significantly reduced number of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain positive lymph nodes of slaughter pigs in the second production cycle, but not in the first production cycle. Vaccination of sows and piglets resulted in the most consistent reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain positive lymph nodes at slaughter. The vaccine strain was detected in the lymph nodes of 13 pigs at slaughter, indicating the possible persistence of the vaccine strain until slaughter. Because of limitations in the study design, and the variability between farms and production cycles, the results of the current observational study should be extrapolated with care. Nevertheless, the results provide evidence that applying vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium in sows and piglets (preferred), sows and fattening pigs, and piglets only can support the control of Salmonella Typhimurium infections by decreasing the prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain positive lymph nodes at slaughter.

Reduction of Salmonella Shedding by Sows during Gestation in Relation to Its Fecal Microbiome

Pork meat is estimated to be responsible for 10–20% of human salmonellosis cases in Europe. Control strategies at the farm could reduce contamination at the slaughterhouse. One of the targeted sectors of production is maternity, where sows could be Salmonella reservoirs. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of shedding of Salmonella in terms of variation in both shedding prevalence and strains excreted during gestation in Quebec’s maternity sector. The evolution of the fecal microbiota of these sows during gestation was also assessed to detect bacterial populations associated with these variations. A total of 73 sows both at the beginning and the end of the gestation were randomly selected and their fecal matter was analyzed. Salmonella detection was conducted using a method that includes two selective enrichment media (MSRV and TBG). Nine isolates per positive samples were collected. Among the 73 sows tested, 27 were shedding Salmonella. Sows in the first third of their gestation shed Salmonella significantly more frequently (21/27) than those in the last third (6/46) (χ²P < 0.05). The shedding status of 19 of the sows that were previously sampled in the first third of their gestation was followed, this time in the last third of their gestation, which confirmed reduction of shedding. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR, significant differences between the fecal flora of sows at the beginning and the end of the gestation, shedding Salmonella or not and with different parity number were detected. Using MaAsLin, multiple OTUs were found to be associated with the time of gestation, the status of Salmonella excretion and parity number. Some of the identified taxa could be linked to the reduction of the shedding of Salmonella at the end of gestation. In this study, we showed that the level of Salmonella shedding was variable during gestation with significantly higher shedding at the beginning rather than at the end of gestation. We also observed for the first time a significant change in the microbiota during sow gestation and identified interesting taxa which could be linked to a reduced Salmonella shedding.

Longitudinal study of Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- shedding in five Australian pig herds

The shedding patterns of Salmonella spp. and MLVA profiles of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica (I) serotype 1,4,[5],12:i:- were monitored in a 12-month longitudinal observational study of five pig herds to inform management; provide indications of potential hazard load at slaughter; and assist evaluation of MLVA for use by animal and public health practitioners. Twenty pooled faecal samples, stratified by age group, were collected quarterly. When Salmonella was cultured, multiple colonies were characterized by serotyping and where S. Typhimurium-like serovars were confirmed, isolates were further characterized by phage typing and multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Salmonella was detected in 43% of samples. Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i- was one of several serovars that persisted within the herds and was found among colonies from each production stage. Virtually all Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- isolates were phage type 193, but exhibited 12 different, closely-related MLVA profiles. Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- diversity within herds was low and MLVA profiles were stable indicating colonization throughout the herds and suggesting each farm had an endemic strain. High prevalence of S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- specific shedding among terminal animals indicated high hazard load at slaughter, suggesting that primary production may be an important pathway of S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- into the human food chain, this has implications for on-farm management and the application and targeting control measures and further evidence of the need for effective process control procedures to be in place during slaughter and in pork boning rooms. These findings have implications for animal health and food safety risk mitigation and risk management.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from two pork processing plants in Alberta, Canada

This study investigated the frequency of Salmonella serovars on pig carcasses at various processing steps in two commercial pork processing plants in Alberta, Canada and characterized phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and PFGE patterns of the Salmonella isolates. Over a one year period, 1000 swab samples were collected from randomly selected pigs at two slaughter plants. Sampling points were: carcass swabs after bleeding (CSAB), carcass swabs after de-hairing (CSAD, plant A) or skinning (CSASk, plant B), carcass swabs after evisceration (CSAE), carcass swabs after pasteurization (CSAP, plant A) or washing (CSAW, plants B) and retail pork (RP). For plant A, 87% of CSAB and 8% of CSAE were positive for Salmonella while at plant B, Salmonella was recovered from 94% of CSAB and 10% of CSAE. Salmonella was not recovered from the RP samples at either plant, indicating that the plants used effective control measures. Salmonella enterica serovar Derby was the most common serotype (23%, 29/127) recovered in plant A and plant B (61%, 76/124). For plant A, 35% (45/127) of isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Five isolates (3.9%), 4 serovar Ohio strains and one serovar I:Rough-O:I,v:-, strain were simultaneously resistant to antimicrobials of very high (Category I), high (Category II), and medium (Category III) importance to human medicine. The 4 S. Ohio isolates were recovered from 3 different steps of pork processing on the same sampling day and displayed resistance to 5-7 antimicrobials, with all of them displaying resistance to ceftiofur and ceftriaxone (Category I). An I:Rough-O:l,v:- isolate, recovered on a different sampling day, was resistant to 7 antimicrobials that included resistance to ampicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftiofur and ceftriaxone (Category I). Salmonella strains isolated from plant A harbored 12 different AMR genes. The most prevalent genes were sul1, sul2, tet(A), tet(B), aadA, strA/strB, aac(3)IV and aphA1. For Salmonella isolates from plant B, 7 resistance genes were identified alone or in combination where tet(B) was found in 77 (62.3%) of the isolates. For plant A, 19 different PFGE subtypes of Salmonella isolates that displayed phenotypic and/or genotypic resistance were observed while 13 different PFGE subtypes were observed for plant B. The lack of detection of Salmonella on the surfaces of RP suggests that current pork processing practices can dramatically reduce Salmonella. Salmonella isolates from pig carcasses at various steps displayed multidrug resistance, including to those of very high importance in human medicine, which represent a public health concern.

Salmonella Vaccination in Pigs: A Review

The control of Salmonella enterica in pig production is necessary for both public and animal health. The persistent and frequently asymptomatic nature of porcine Salmonella infection and the organism's abilities to colonize other animal species and to survive in the environment mean that effective control generally requires multiple measures. Vaccination is one such measure, and the present review considers its role and its future, drawing on studies in pigs from the 1950s to the present day. Once established in the body as an intracellular infectious agent, Salmonella can evade humoral immunity, which goes some way to explaining the often disappointing performance of inactivated Salmonella vaccines. More recent approaches, using mucosal presentation of antigens, live vaccines and adjuvants to enhance cell-mediated immunity, have met with more success. Vaccination strategies that involve stimulating both passive immunity from the dam plus active immunity in offspring appear to be most efficacious, although either approach alone can yield significant control of Salmonella. Problems that remain include relatively poor control of Salmonella serovars that are dissimilar to the vaccine antigen mix, and difficulties in measuring and predicting the performance of candidate vaccines in ways that are highly relevant to their likely use in commercial production.

Comparison of sampling procedures and microbiological and non-microbiological parameters to evaluate cleaning and disinfection in broiler houses

Cleaning and disinfection of the broiler stable environment is an essential part of farm hygiene management. Adequate cleaning and disinfection is essential for prevention and control of animal diseases and zoonoses. The goal of this study was to shed light on the dynamics of microbiological and non-microbiological parameters during the successive steps of cleaning and disinfection and to select the most suitable sampling methods and parameters to evaluate cleaning and disinfection in broiler houses. The effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection protocols was measured in six broiler houses on two farms through visual inspection, adenosine triphosphate hygiene monitoring and microbiological analyses. Samples were taken at three time points: 1) before cleaning, 2) after cleaning, and 3) after disinfection. Before cleaning and after disinfection, air samples were taken in addition to agar contact plates and swab samples taken from various sampling points for enumeration of total aerobic flora, Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli and the detection of E. coli and Salmonella. After cleaning, air samples, swab samples, and adenosine triphosphate swabs were taken and a visual score was also assigned for each sampling point. The mean total aerobic flora determined by swab samples decreased from 7.7±1.4 to 5.7±1.2 log CFU/625 cm2 after cleaning and to 4.2±1.6 log CFU/625 cm2 after disinfection. Agar contact plates were used as the standard for evaluating cleaning and disinfection, but in this study they were found to be less suitable than swabs for enumeration. In addition to measuring total aerobic flora, Enterococcus spp. seemed to be a better hygiene indicator to evaluate cleaning and disinfection protocols than E. coli. All stables were Salmonella negative, but the detection of its indicator organism E. coli provided additional information for evaluating cleaning and disinfection protocols. Adenosine triphosphate analyses gave additional information about the hygiene level of the different sampling points.

Risk factors associated with persistence of Salmonella shedding in finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with persistence of Salmonella shedding in finishing swine. A longitudinal study was conducted in 18 cohorts of pigs from three finishing sites of one swine production company. Among the 446 Salmonella isolates (isolated from 187 pigs), there were 18 distinct serovars. The six most common serovars were S. enterica serovar Derby (47.3%), S. Agona (27.4%), S. Johannesburg (10.5%), S. Schwarzengrund (2.7%), S. Litchfield (2.5%) and S. Mbandaka (2.2%). Survival analysis techniques, Kaplan-Meier methods and Log-rank test were used to estimate the duration of Salmonella shedding in days and to evaluate differences in shedding associated with risk factors at different organizational levels: isolate (serovar), pig, cohort and site. The risk factors at the pig-level were: sex, age and individual health status; and the risk factors at the cohort-level were: health risk, treatment and "at risk pigs" proportions, nursery and barn environment Salmonella status and prior exposure to the same serovar in the nursery or barn environment. Survival analysis using acceleration failure time models, with a log-normal distribution, was applied to investigate risk factors associated with Salmonella persistence (175 pigs) and serovar-specific persistence (151 pigs) during the study period. Pigs detected Salmonella positive for the first time at 10 weeks of age had a longer duration of shedding, than pigs first detected at an older age. The duration of shedding was shorter among pigs infected with S. Derby, S. Johannesburg and other serovars as compared to pigs infected with S. Agona. A significant difference was observed among sites. Cohorts with pig treatment proportions greater than the median were more likely to have a shorter duration of Salmonella shedding. Pigs from cohorts with nursery positive pools greater than the overall mean had a longer duration of Salmonella shedding as compared to pigs from cohorts with nursery pools less than or equal to the mean. These results suggest that the duration of Salmonella shedding may depend on Salmonella serovar, pig age at the time of infection, farm site and cohort-level risk factors. Identification of risk factors associated with the duration of shedding may allow more targeted interventions for the control Salmonella by evaluation of control measures not only for prevalence reduction, but also to decrease the duration of shedding. Such measures may decrease the risk of contamination of pork and subsequent risk of foodborne illness.

Investigation of the Distribution of Salmonella within an Integrated Pig Breeding and Production Organisation in the United Kingdom

To examine patterns of Salmonella herd infections in units linked by common sources of pigs, the study examined pooled pen faeces samples from 161 nursery and finishing units in a UK integrated pig enterprise. An epidemiological questionnaire was also completed by investigators for each farm. Salmonella was isolated from 630 (19.5%) of the samples: S. Typhimurium was found in 387 (12%) and S. Derby in 157 (4.9%) samples; 111 units yielded at least one sample containing Salmonella. The proportion of Salmonella-positive samples from positive farms ranged from 5% to 95%. In a univariable risk factor analysis, increasing length of time as a pig farm was positively associated with the detection of Salmonella in a herd. Larger farms (>500 pigs) were significantly more likely to be positive for S. Typhimurium than smaller farms. There was an association between Salmonella serovars isolated in the present study and those subsequently isolated in breeding herds linked to the integration.

Distribution of serotypes and genotypes of Salmonella enterica species in French pig production

The population of Salmonella found at various stages of pig production in France was characterised to analyse the distribution and spread of Salmonella in the pig production chain. We serotyped and genotyped by PFGE 174 isolates collected from breeding pigs from breeding farms, 163 collected from breeding pigs from production farms, and 325 collected from fattening pigs. Forty-seven serovars and 110 genotypes were identified. The major serovars were S Derby (263 isolates) and S Typhimurium (162 isolates). The percentage of S Derby isolates decreased slightly through the production system (44.3, 41.1 per cent and 36.5 per cent) and 79.1 per cent of the S Derby isolates were distributed in the five genotypes common to all three stages. The percentage of S Typhimurium isolates was high for slaughter pigs (40.8 per cent) and 43 of the 46 S Typhimurium genotypes were only identified at this stage. Distributions of S Derby and S Typhimurium between breeding and fattening pigs were different. S Derby was found throughout the pig production pyramid, suggesting that this serotype may be transmitted by the transfer of animals between herds. The presence of multiple S Typhimurium genotypes in fattening pigs suggests that there were many sources of contamination at this stage, with fattening pigs having higher levels of exposure and/or sensitivity to this serotype.

A Review of the Use of Organic Amendments and the Risk to Human Health

Historically, organic amendments—organic wastes—have been the main source of plant nutrients, especially N. Their use allows better management of often-finite resources to counter changes in soils that result from essential practices for crop production. Organic amendments provide macro- and micronutrients, including carbon for the restoration of soil physical and chemical properties. Challenges from the use of organic amendments arise from the presence of heavy metals and the inability to control the transformations required to convert the organic forms of N and P into the minerals available to crops, and particularly to minimize the losses of these nutrients in forms that may present a threat to human health. Animal manure and sewage biosolids, the organic amendments in greatest abundance, contain components that can be hazardous to human health, other animals and plants. Pathogens pose an immediate threat. Antibiotics, other pharmaceuticals and naturally produced hormones may pose a threat if they increase the number of zoonotic disease organisms that are resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs or interfere with reproductive processes. Some approaches aimed at limiting N losses (e.g. covered liquid or slurry storage, rapid incorporation into the soil, timing applications to minimize delay before plant uptake) also tend to favor survival of pathogens. Risks to human health, through the food chain and drinking water, from the pathogens, antibiotics and hormonal substances that may be present in organic amendments can be reduced by treatment before land application, such as in the case of sewage biosolids. Other sources, such as livestock and poultry manures, are largely managed by ensuring that they are applied at the rate, time and place most appropriate to the crops and soils. A more holistic approach to management is required as intensification of agriculture increases.

Longitudinal study of Salmonella shedding in naturally infected finishing pigs

A 3-year longitudinal study was conducted on a multi-site farrow-to-finish production system. For each of 18 cohorts at three finishing sites, 50 pigs were randomly selected. Faecal samples were collected every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. Salmonella was cultured from 453 (6·6%) of 6836 faecal samples. The pig-level incidence of Salmonella was 20·8% (187/899 pigs). Salmonella prevalence varied between cohorts and within pigs. The adjusted Salmonella prevalence decreased over the finishing period from 6·4% to 0·8%. Intermittent detection of Salmonella was found in more than 50% of pigs that were positive at more than one collection. The finding that the majority of pigs shed intermittently has implications for surveillance and research study design when determining Salmonella status. The variability in shedding over time, as well as between and within cohorts and pigs suggests that there may be time-variant risk factors for Salmonella shedding in swine.

Infecção experimental por Salmonella enterica subespécie enterica sorotipo Panama e tentativa de transmissão nasonasal em leitões desmamados

O objetivo deste experimento foi produzir uma infecção experimental de Salmonella enterica subespécie. enterica sorotipo Panama e verificar a importância da via nasonasal na transmissão entre leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados seis leitões recém-desmamados, adquiridos de granja livre de Salmonella spp. Utilizaram-se baias isoladoras, que proporcionavam o contato nasonasal e eliminavam a possibilidade de outras vias de transmissão e de contaminação externa. Três grupos foram formados: controle, sentinela e infectado. Não foram encontradas amostras positivas para Salmonella spp. em leitões do grupo-controle e sentinelas, e nos animais infectados foi isolada Salmonella Panama em suabes retais e tecidos necropsiados. Os resultados revelaram não haver a transmissão pela via nasonasal entre leitões desmamados, pois, em nenhum momento, o agente foi isolado dos animais sentinelas

Associations among antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. isolates from 60 Alberta finishing swine farms

The study objectives were to identify potential associations between reported antimicrobial use (AMU) practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of fecal and environmental Salmonella spp. isolates (n = 322 isolates) recovered from 60 Alberta finishing swine farms, and to estimate the amount of pen and farm level variation in AMR. The AMU data were collected through a questionnaire. Separate multilevel logistic regression models were built for six antimicrobials with prevalence of resistance >or=5% using the Generalized Linear Latent and Mixed Model (GLLAMM) procedure. In-feed use of tylosin in finishers was associated with increased odds of resistance in Salmonella isolates to ampicillin (OR = 61.56), streptomycin (OR = 11.70), and multiple antimicrobials (OR = 4.90). Injectable penicillin use in growers was associated with decreased odds of resistance in Salmonella isolates to streptomycin (OR = 0.06), kanamycin (OR = 0.03), and multiple antimicrobials (OR = 0.12). Injectable penicillin use in finishers was associated with decreased odds of resistance in Salmonella isolates to ampicillin (OR = 0.007) and chloramphenicol (OR = 0.04). Overall, these results indicate that AMU in pig production is inconsistently associated with AMR in Salmonella from finishing swine. Variation in AMR prevalence of Salmonella isolates of swine was moderate to high at pen and farm levels for most antimicrobials suggesting that interventions at the pen and farm levels might be beneficial in reducing the emergence of AMR Salmonella in swine populations.

Prevalence and risk factors for bacterial food-borne zoonotic hazards in slaughter pigs: a review

The Hygiene Package and Regulation EC-2160/2003 require information flow from farm to slaughterhouse to enhance European consumers protection in a 'farm to fork' approach. This obligation especially concerns food-borne zoonotic hazards transmitted to humans through pork consumption, such as thermophilic Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Yersinia enterocolitica. Prevalence estimates of these four hazards are affected by the sampling strategy and diagnostic procedure. Individual prevalence estimates for pig carriage (from digestive contents or lymph nodes collected at slaughterhouse) were higher than individual prevalence estimates for pig shedding (from faeces). Among risk factors described in the literature, poor pen cleaning and disinfection after pig departure to slaughterhouse and poor bio-security measures are of major significance. Moreover, whereas wet feed increases the risk of pig infection by L. monocytogenes, dry feed is a risk factor for Salm. enterica. Mixing batches of pigs, notably in fattening herds, represents a risk for the transmission of Salm. enterica and Y. enterocolitica. Whereas small herds are more infected by thermophilic campylobacters and Y. enterocolitica, higher prevalence of Salmonella is observed in large herds due to a more frequent mixing of batches. Antibiotic treatment during the finishing period increases the risk of transmission of Salm. enterica. The forenamed elements should be taken into account to characterize farms in a risk assessment approach and to improve zoonotic hazard management in the pork food chain.

Examination of Salmonella and Escherichia coli translocation from hog manure to forage, soil, and cattle grazed on the hog manure-treated pasture

Use of hog (Sus scrofa) manure as a fertilizer is a practical solution for waste re-utilization, however, it may serve as a vehicle for environmental and domestic animal contamination. Work was conducted to determine whether pathogens, naturally present in hog manure could be detected in cattle (Bos taurus) grazed on the manure-treated pasture, and whether forage contamination occurred. During two 3 mo summer trials manure was applied to yield < or = 124 kg available N per hectare in a single spring or split spring and fall application. Samples of hog manure, forage, soil, and cattle feces were analyzed for naturally occurring Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli. To follow movement of Salmonella in the environment isolates were identified to serovar and serotyped. Transfer of E. coli from hog manure to soil and cattle was examined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of >600 E. coli isolates. While Y. enterocolitica was absent from all samples, in both years S. enterica Derby and S. enterica Krefeld were found in most hog manure samples, but were only on forage samples in the second year. Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, absent from hog manure was present on some forage in the first year. Cattle feces and soil samples were consistently Salmonella negative. These contaminations could not be traced to manure application. During this study, Salmonella and E. coli found in hog manure had different RAPD genomic profiles from those found in the feces of cattle grazing on manure-treated pasture.

Salmonella spp. in Bavarian liquid pig manure: occurrence and relevance for the distribution of antibiotic resistance

In a representative study, 380 manure samples of pig farms distributed all over Bavaria (Germany) were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. at the time of manure application to soil using methods adapted to DIN EN ISO 6579. The isolates were tested according to DIN 58940 for their susceptibility towards 26 antimicrobial substances - such substances partly administered in animals, but mainly used in human therapy. Six out of 380 manure samples and, in addition, the only separated liquid manure sample examined, contained Salmonella isolates. Serotypes represented S. Typhimurium (n = 5), S. Derby (n = 1) and S. Infantis/S. Serogroup C1-(6,7:r:-)-form (each n = 1). Within the serovar S. Typhimurium, the most common phage type was DT104 (n = 3). All Salmonella isolates originated from 'big' farms (>30/45 sows on combined/breeding farms or >220 fattening pigs). Four out of six manure samples contained resistant isolates; all resistant Salmonellae were multi-resistant. Two out of three DT104-isolates showed the typical penta-resistance pattern often found in S. Typhimurium DT104, which was, furthermore, supplemented by other resistances. One Escherichia coli isolated together with a phage type DT104 S. Typhimurium also expressed the same penta-resistance pattern.

Development of a sanitary risk index for Salmonella seroprevalence in Belgian pig farms

The aim of this study was to develop a scientifically based Sanitary Risk Index (SRI), defined as an objective measure of the Salmonella seroprevalence in a pig herd based on the risk factors being present on the farm. Therefore, an observational epidemiological study was adopted to infer risk factors for the Salmonella seroprevalence of market pigs. A total of 204 Belgian farrow-to-finish pig herds were included in this cross-sectional study. The antibody titre to Salmonella in sera was analysed by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for an average of 58 finisher pigs on each farm. A detailed questionnaire, covering an extensive range of potential risk factors was completed by each participating pig producer. Pearson correlation coefficients between the average sample to positive ratio (S/P)-value of a herd and the within-herd proportion of seropositive pigs were high. Significant risk factors associated with the average S/P-value of a herd were identified by a general linear mixed model. Feeding of meal, providing wet feed, having a hygienic-lock facility, using boot baths, applying the strict all in/all out procedure, programming the temperature in the zone of thermal neutrality and disinfecting between batches were all associated with lower average S/P-values. Sampling in summer, using a clean downtime, decreasing floor space per animal as well as increasing herd size were related with higher average S/P-values. The SRI consists of the above-specified risk factors together with their relative weight. Determining the Salmonella risk of a new herd by the SRI is primarily based on the quantification of the farm specific risk factors present and results in an average S/P-value of the herd. The model was validated using a set of conventional farms. In conclusion, the SRI is a useful preliminary screening tool which forms the basis for targeted sampling but cannot replace the serological herd classification with regard to Salmonella prevalence.

Effect of antimicrobial dosage regimen on Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolates from feeder swine

A body of evidence exists that suggests that antimicrobial use in food animals leads to resistance in both pathogenic and commensal bacteria. This study focused on the impact of three different antimicrobial regimes (low-level continuous, pulse, and no antimicrobial) for two antimicrobials (chlortetracycline and tylosin) on the presence of Salmonella spp. and on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of both Salmonella spp. and nonspecific Escherichia coli in fecal samples from feeder swine. The prevalence of fecal samples positive for Salmonella spp. significantly decreased between the samples taken at feeder placement compared to samples taken when the animals were close to market weight. Differences in resistance of Salmonella spp. did not appear to be influenced by dosing treatment including the control. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance examining both susceptibility and resistance, as well as MIC outcomes, demonstrated that only resistance to cephalothin increased in E. coli under the pulse chlortetracycline treatment. These results suggest that the dosing regimes examined in this study did not lead to an increase in either the prevalence of Salmonella spp. or the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in isolates of Salmonella spp. or E. coli.

Salmonella enterica infections in Spanish swine fattening units

The present study is the first conducted in Spain to estimate the bacteriological herd prevalence of Salmonella enterica in fattening units and to describe the Salmonella serovar diversity on these farms using a sample representative of the entire swine population. For this purpose, 10 faecal samples were collected from 10 different pens containing pigs close to market weight in a total of 232 fattening units. Total sample size was proportionally distributed according to the fattener census in each of the regions of the country and all the samples were examined by culture of 25 g of faecal material. One hundred (43.1%) farms had at least one Salmonella-positive sample (95% CI: 37-49.1%). Salmonella enterica was detected in 290 (12.5%) pooled faecal floor samples (95% CI: 11.2-13.8%). The apparent herd prevalence of salmonellosis was similar among multi-site, finishing and farrow to finish farms. Overall, 24 different serovars were identified, with S. Typhimurium, S. Rissen and S. Derby being the most common both at herd and sample level. Results of phage typing were available for the 91 isolates of S. Typhimurium. A total number of 10 different phage types were identified, with DT 193 being the most frequent. Phage types DT 104, DT 104b and DT U302, which have been associated with several multi-resistant patterns, accounted for 23% and 29% of the Typhimurium total isolates or Typhimurium infected farms respectively.

Approaches for reducing Salmonella in pork production

Salmonellosis is an important disease in humans and is associated with contaminated food, including pork products. Salmonella infection is invasive in humans, but it usually remains latent within the swine population, creating reservoirs for carcass contamination. Although abattoirs implement stringent procedures during carcass processing, some raw pork products still have Salmonella contamination. To reduce the presence of Salmonella, a dynamic picture of the pork production chain is needed that includes management practices aimed at health and welfare of swine and practices within swine operations that affect the environment and community health. Swine practices indirectly influence the spread of zoonotic enteric pathogens. Pathogens in food animals can escape detection, and critical control points often are missed. Preharvest growth of swine by enhancement of normal gut flora and targeting intestinal pathogens through nonantibiotic approaches might improve food safety and reduce antibiotic residues. In light of the threat posed by multidrug-resistant pathogens, old dogma is being revisited with optimism for potential utility in promoting pre- and postharvest pork safety. This review includes possible approaches that can be implemented in swine operations and postslaughter during pork processing with simultaneous omission of subtherapeutic antibiotics to control Salmonella. We emphasize the vital roles of the veterinarians, pig producers, industry, food research scientists, and government guidelines for the strategic implementation of approaches to Salmonella control across the pork production and processing chains.

Testing an ecological model for transmission of Salmonella enterica in swine production ecosystems using genotyping data

An ecological model for transmission of Salmonella enterica in swine production ecosystems was developed, identifying host species, environmental reservoirs, and temporal, spatial, and functional (i.e., stage of production) dimensions. It was hypothesized that transmission was most likely within spatial and functional compartments, between hosts of the same species and abiotic compartments of the same type. Eighteen swine production systems in Illinois, USA, were sampled in four collection cycles (1998, 1999, 2000, 2003). There were 11,873 samples collected, including feces from swine and other mammals and birds, and samples from insects, pen floors, boots, feed, and water. The 460 Salmonella isolates obtained were genotyped using repetitive sequence PCR with three primers-REP, BOX, and ERIC. All isolates from 2000 and 2003 were serotyped, as well as a subsample from 1998 and 1998. Genetic relatedness was estimated from the similarity of fragmentation patterns after gel electrophoresis of PCR products. Cluster analysis identified genetically related isolates. Linking of isolates in tight clusters (similarity >or=85%) was viewed as evidence for transmission. Five farms had a sufficient number of tight clusters for hypothesis testing. The factors most differentiating isolates genetically were farm of origin and time of sampling. Isolates were also differentiated genetically by site, building, room, and pen. There was no consistent association of genotype with stage of production or host/environment reservoir. Serotype analysis confirmed that Salmonella lineages were differentiated by visit and site. Thus, Salmonella transmission was primarily over short distances, i.e., within the same pen or room, with some transmission between rooms and buildings on the same site, but with limited transmission between sites. Transmission was observed across a variety of ecological niches represented by different host species and environmental reservoirs. Genetic differences over time reflected multiple introductions into the ecosystem of different Salmonella genotypes, as well as evolutionary changes within lineages. Intervention strategies to reduce Salmonella prevalence within swine production ecosystems would be best targeted at maintaining spatial barriers to transmission, whereas intervention targeted at specific biological hosts or environmental reservoirs is less likely to be effective.

Gastrointestinal microbial ecology and the safety of our food supply as related to Salmonella

Salmonella causes an estimated 1.3 million human foodborne illnesses and more than 500 deaths each year in the United States, representing an annual estimated cost to the economy of approximately $2.4 billion. Salmonella enterica comprises more than 2,500 serotypes. With this genetic and environmental diversity, serotypes are adapted to live in a variety of hosts, which may or may not manifest with clinical illness. Thus, Salmonella presents a multifaceted threat to food production and safety. Salmonella have been isolated from all food animals and can cause morbidity and mortality in swine, cattle, sheep, and poultry. The link between human salmonellosis and host animals is most clear in poultry. During the early part of the 20th century, a successful campaign was waged to eliminate fowl typhoid caused by Salmonella Gallinarum/Pullorum. Microbial ecology is much like macroecology; environmental niches are filled by adapted and specialized species. Elimination of S. Gallinarum cleared a niche in the on-farm and intestinal microbial ecology that was quickly exploited by Salmonella Enteritidis and other serotypes that live in other hosts, such as rodents. In the years since, human salmonellosis cases linked to poultry have increased to the point that uncooked chicken and eggs are regarded as toxic in the zeitgeist. Salmonellosis caused by poultry products have increased significantly in the past 5 yr, leading to a USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service "Salmonella Attack Plan" that aims to reduce the incidence of Salmonella in chickens below the current 19%. The prevalence of Salmonella in swine and cattle is lower, but still poses a threat to food safety and production efficiency. Thus, approaches to reducing Salmonella in animals must take into consideration that the microbial ecology of the animal is a critical factor that should be accounted for when designing intervention strategies. Use of competitive exclusion, sodium chlorate, vaccination, and bacteriophage are all strategies that can reduce Salmonella in the live animal, but it is vital to understand how they function so that we do not invoke the law of unintended consequences.

Salmonella Infections in Ninety Alberta Swine Finishing Farms: Serological Prevalence, Correlation Between Culture and Serology, and Risk Factors for Infection

The aim of this study was to determine serological prevalence for Salmonella in 90 Alberta finishing swine farms over a 5-month period; to evaluate the correlation between the detection of Salmonella by bacteriological culture and serology; and to identify risk factors for Salmonella seroprevalence. Participating farms were visited 3 times. A total of 30 blood and 15 fecal samples were collected from finishing pigs on each farm. VetScreen Salmonella covalent mix-ELISA (Svanovir) and conventional culture were performed. The apparent Salmonella seroprevalences at the sample and farm level were 13.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.5-15.5%) and 83.3% (95% CI, 74-90.4%), respectively. Most of the farms had within-farm seroprevalence of <or=20%, indicating that pigs on these farms had a low exposure to Salmonella. The Salmonella farm status changed frequently across 3 visits. The correlation between fecal prevalence and seroprevalence at the farm and farm visit level was 0.71 (P < 0.0001) and 0.47 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The use of meal feed and the reported use of antimicrobials through water were associated with a lower farm seroprevalence for Salmonella. Longitudinal sampling and testing are required to properly evaluate Salmonella on-farm status. The interpretation of existing serological and culture tests for Salmonella in swine should take into consideration their imperfect sensitivity, what these tests actually measure (previous exposure vs. current shedding), and the Salmonella serovar distribution within the targeted population. Further work is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of on-farm interventions against Salmonella in swine.

Factors influencing the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in swine farms: a meta-analysis approach

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify study-level variables that could explain the variation in apparent Salmonella spp. prevalence estimates. Electronic and non-electronic literature searches from 1990 until 2005 were carried out to identify all studies related to the prevalence of subclinical Salmonella infection in swine. The searches were restricted to studies published in English, Spanish, and French. Clinical trials or any other study where an intervention was evaluated were excluded from this analysis. A template was designed to retrieve the most relevant variables and data abstraction was performed in duplicate. A total of 98 papers containing 82 animal-level and 156 farm-level studies were used in the analyses. The median farm-level and animal-level prevalences were 59% and 17%, respectively. Meta-regression analyses were carried out on both farm and animal-level data. Diagnostic procedure, sample size, and country where study was conducted were the three most important predictors in explaining the differences in Salmonella prevalences between studies. When compared to a farm with a apparent prevalence of 50% determined by the blood ELISA, prevalences based on culture of fecal samples were 39% lower and prevalences based on cecum and tissue cultures were 16% and 19% lower, respectively. Similar to farm-level models, animal-level models did not show any difference among serological tests and prevalence values based culture procedures were, on average, 9% lower than those from serological tests. Sample size was negatively associated with prevalence estimates. In conclusion, the methodology was useful for identifying and quantifying sources of variation in Salmonella apparent prevalence among studies and for establishing prevalence distributions that could be used as input parameters in risk assessment and decision models. The analysis provides some guidelines when interpreting and comparing apparent Salmonella prevalence results from studies using different study designs.

Salmonella contamination in pigs at slaughter and on the farm: A field study using an antibody ELISA test and a PCR technique

An antibody ELISA test and a PCR method for identifying the risk of Salmonella contamination were compared in a field study on the same lots of animals in a slaughterhouse. The results were compared to investigations carried out on two farms with different prevalences of Salmonella antibody-positive animals. Salmonella antibody ELISA testing was carried out on all 383 meat juice samples derived from the diaphragm pillar muscle of each pig. Salmonella DNA analysis was performed by PCR technique on small intestine samples with lymph nodes from all 383 pigs, and on tonsils from the last 129 pigs. The 383 animals tested came from 32 different pig farms. Furthermore, the herd antibody blood serum status against Salmonella spp. of weaners was determined on two selected pig fattening farms, one with low and one with high seroprevalence in meat juice. A total of 7.0% (ELISA cut-off OD% > or =40) of the slaughtered pigs from 6 of 32 fattening farms were seropositive. Salmonella DNA was found in 16.4% of the jejunum/lymph nodes (383 animals) and in 15.5% of the tonsils (129 animals). Salmonella DNA was found in the jejunum/lymph nodes of 41% of the seropositive pigs. However, serotitres were also positive in only 17.5% of all pigs positive in the jejunum DNA test. Two farms were selected for further investigation: farm 13 (F13), with a high prevalence of seropositive pigs, 29.0%, Category II; and F11, with 9.4%, Category I. However, categorization according to the blood serum tests of the fattening pigs after on-farm testing was very different: F13 had 5% positive animals (Category I); and F11, 23.3% (Category II). The study led to the following results and recommendations: First, ELISA tests are useful for the detection of farms that are regularly contaminated with Salmonella, but such tests cannot give information on the infectious status of a single animal (or a group) at the point of slaughter. Second, it is crucial that management measures are taken to prevent the spread of infections by trade and transport: piglets should be supplied exclusively by a single, well-known producer, and finishers should be tested serologically on farm before going to slaughter. Third, ELISA tests and the PCR method are suitable for the detection of Salmonella and are recommended as analytical tools for all pork quality control programmes. Fourth, animals from suspicious farms should always be slaughtered at the end of the slaughter day, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Distribution of salmonella strains in farrow-to-finish pig herds: a longitudinal study

The aims of this study were to investigate patterns of Salmonella shedding in finishing pigs and to study the role of the sow in the transmission of Salmonella to her offspring. In each of the three herds (A, B, and C), one cohort of sows (n = 34, n = 40, n = 32, respectively) together with three piglets of their offspring (n = 102, n = 120, n = 96, respectively) were selected. Individual fecal and blood samples were taken from the sows at different times during one production cycle and from the piglets from weaning until slaughter. At slaughter, contents from the jejunum, colon, and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. Fecal samples, as well as the jejunum, colon, and mesenteric lymph node samples collected at slaughter, were submitted to a qualitative Salmonella analysis. Isolates were characterized by random amplified polymorphic DNA, and if necessary, further characterization was done by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In herds A and B, Salmonella shedding began in the nursery. A significant increase in the number of Salmonella shedders was seen after transferring pigs to the growing unit in herd B (P = 0.003) and to the finishing unit in herds A (P < 0.001) and B (P = 0.013). None of the fattening pigs in herd C were shedding Salmonella. This study reveals that transferring pigs is an important trigger to induce Salmonella shedding, leading to horizontal spread. Direct transmission of Salmonella from the sows to their piglets could not be demonstrated, but the similarities between the isolates found in the sows and those found during the nursery and finishing periods and at slaughter suggested indirect transmission.