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We propose to conduct a systematic review of literature discussing the epidemiology of Salmonella in the pork chain. The review would summarize the current understanding of factors that lead to the introduction, maintenance and amplification of Salmonella in the pork production chain. <P>Although it would be ideal to review the pork chain as a continuum there is likely very little high quality literature that links the entire pork production chain. We believe there are two general bodies of literature relevant to the review. Therefore, we anticipate the project would have two clearly defined reviews; the epidemiology of Salmonella in the pork chain pre-harvest and the epidemiology of Salmonella in the pork chain post harvest. <P>Our goal then would be to synthesize these data and identify links in the chain. However, again we do expect very little direct evidence of introduction, maintenance and amplification throughout the entire pork chain from farm to fork.
Non-Technical Summary: We propose to conduct a systematic review of literature discussing the epidemiology of Salmonella in the pork chain. The review would summarize the current understanding of factors that lead to the introduction, maintenance and amplification of Salmonella in the pork production chain. <P> Approach: A systematic review differs from a traditional review in several ways. The process of systematic review reduces bias in the selection of research studies by the comprehensiveness and reproducibility of the search strategy and the transparent selection of articles included in review. Systematic reviews assess the methodological quality of the included studies (i.e. the rigor with which the study was designed, conducted and analyzed) and evaluate the overall strength of that body of evidence. In systematic reviews, emphasis is placed on the results from studies of higher quality rather than from lower quality. This additional analytic step does not typically occur during the course of narrative reviews.