A study of the distribution of Salmonella serovars in an integrated pig company

Abstract

<p>A total of 3220 faecal samples from 161 pig farms (rearing and finishing units) belonging to an integrated pig enterprise were collected over a period of 18 months. Salmonella was found in 630 (19.5%) of the samples. At the farm level, 111 of 161 premises (69%) had at least one Salmonella- positive sample. 72.8% of rearing units and 66.6% of finishing units were positive for Salmonella; 61.4% of isolates were S. Typhimurium (387/630 isolates), and 25% of isolates were S. Derby (157/630). S. Panama, which was the third most common serovar (4.9% of isolates), is rarely found in pigs or other animals in the UK and appeared to be largely specific to this company, being found in the multiplier herd as well.</p>