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Protect your pig farm against Salmonellosis
In the European Union, more than 91.000 cases of salmonellosis are reported annually. According to estimates from EFSA, the economic burden of human salmonellosis could reach as high as €3 billion per year.
Salmonellosis can be caused by more than 2,000 Salmonella serotypes. In pigs only a few serotypes cause disease, usually manifested in blood poisoning and/or intestinal inflammation.
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What causes Salmonellosis in pigs?
Salmonella is not just a single disease but a group of infections caused by different strains of the Salmonella bacteria. There are currently more then 2700 strains of salmonella bacteria known. In pigs, the most commonly encountered strains include Salmonella Derby and Salmonella Typhimurium.
A study in 25 EU member states plus Norway has shown that S. Typhimurium (40% in lymph nodes, 49% in carcasses) and S. Derby (15% in lymph nodes, 24% in carcasses) are the two most common serovars in Salmonella positive slaughter pigs. While Salmonella Derby is host-adapted to pigs and tends to cause more severe outbreaks, Salmonella Typhimurium is not host-specific and can infect a range of animals, including humans.
The severity of Salmonella infections in pigs can vary, and it often depends on factors such as the specific strain of Salmonella, the age and health status of the pigs, and the overall management practices on the farm.
How are Salmonella bacteria transmitted?
The transmission of Salmonella to pigs can occur through various routes.
There are host specific and non-host specific salmonella strains. The latter can be spread from humans to animals and vice versa.
Salmonella spreads through:
- Direct contact with infected pigs (or humans in case of salmonella typhimurium).
- Exposure to contaminated feces.
- Wildlife, including birds and rodents, transmitting the bacteria.
- Contaminated feed and water sources.
Understanding these transmission pathways is crucial for implementing effective biosecurity measures to protect your herd.
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What are the symptoms of Salmonellosis in pigs?
The symptoms of Salmonella infection in pigs can vary, but commonly include:
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- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pains
- Higher mortality (in severe cases)
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How can you prevent Salmonellosis?
Good biosecurity is the most important defence pig farmers have to prevent and manage salmonella infection on their pig farms.
Implementing clear hygiene protocols and robus biosecurity measures for visitors, vehicles, feed and goods entering the farm are important to prevent the introdcution of new strains and to lower pathogen pressure on the animals. Safeguard the health of your animals and you livelihood by taking steps to protect your farm.
The 5 steps to prevent Salmonellosis in pigs
Learn the five essential biosecurity guidelines created by pig farm hygiene experts to protect your pigs from Salmonellosis.:format(webp))
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