Absence of Campylobacter in some Norwegian Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Pig Herds

Abstract

<p>In this study, ten Nonvegian Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) pig herds (three nucleus and seven multiplying herds) were surveyed for Campylobacter spp. to detennine the occurrence of this organism in the Norwegian SPF pig health and breeding pyramid. From the ten SPF herds, four tested negative for Campylobacter spp., one showed presence of an unknown Campylobacter spp. and the remaining five herds tested positive for C. coli. Of the three nucleus herds which were tested, only the first established nucleus herd was free from C. coli. The three production herds testing negative for Campylobacter were all established with gilts from the first nucleus herd. The herds testing positive for Campylobacter were all established with animals from either one or both of the positive nucleus herds. Three of the five herds that were carriers of C. coli had a prevalence rate of 37.5% while the lowest rate was in nucleus herd 2 with 12.5%. The remaining herd showed a prevalence of 69.2%.</p>