Epidemiological Studies of Salmonella in Pigs and Control by Intervention

<OL> <LI> To carry out a national cross-sectional survey of finishing pig farms for salmonella with the aims of: <UL>
<LI> estimating the prevalence of salmonella herd infection in finishing pig herds in England and Wales;
<LI> identifying risk factors associated with herd infection. </ul>
<LI> To design a salmonella control strategy for use in finishing pig farms.
<LI> To evaluate the developed control strategy in an intervention trial and analyse the economics of intervention.
<LI> To continue longitudinal studies on 23 farms followed for 3-5 years to assess the potential of pig farms as a long-term reservoir of S. typhimurium DT104 and related strains.
<LI> To continue to work with pig breeders in evaluation of new salmonella control measures. </ol>

Policy relevance: <UL> <LI> Increasing attention on national control measures for salmonella in pig meat production in EU and USA.
<LI> Revised Zoonoses Directive (92/117/EEC) setting targets for the control of salmonella in pig herds.
<LI> Presence of multiple resistant S. typhimurium DT104 and related strains in UK pig herds.
<LI> Potential zoonotic and international trade implications of multiple resistant salmonellas.
</ul>
Intended use of results: <UL> <LI>
Design of improved control measures for salmonella in UK pig industry.