Evaluation of an enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocol in Salmonella contaminated pig holdings in the United Kingdom

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178897
• Publication Date: 2017-06-08T17:45:49Z
• Authors: Francesca Martelli; Mark Lambert; Paul Butt; Tanya Cheney; Fabrizio Antonio ...; Rebecca Callaby; André Rabie; Rebecca J. Gosling; Steve Fordon; Graham Crocker; Robert H. Davies; Richard Piers Smith
• Keywords: Disinfectant; Food contaminant

Salmonella is the second most commonly reported zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogen in European Union, and a significant proportion of cases are linked to consumption contaminated pork. Reduction at farm level helps mininimise contamination pressure slaughterhouse, therefore number bacteria entering food chain. Cleaning disinfection (C&D) between batches pigs an intervention measure that has potential reduce transmission within farms. In this study, two pig finisher buildings each 10 positive farms were sampled pre-C&D, post-C&D, post-restocking with following batch pigs, shortly before these sent slaughter. The incoming was also it reached study building (pre-restocking). At visit, pooled individual faecal samples collected isolation carried out according ISO 6579:2002 Annex D-based method. One on (intervention) cleaned disinfected rigorous protocol consisting several steps Defra-approved disinfectant used General Orders concentration, whilst other (control) as per normal routine. post-C&D Enterobacteriaceae total bacterial counts determined evaluate residual general hygiene levels. Rodent specialists visited after C&D rodent carcasses for testing. significantly less likely (p = 0.004) be C&D. pre-restocking had highest likelihood (p<0.001) being (often multiple serovars) there no difference control prevalence visit 0.199). However, housed slaughter age. Multivariable analysis suggested cleaning all fixtures buildings, leaving pens empty 2–3 days using effective factors improving removing during Signs rodents recorded farms, but activity harbourage availability decreased visits. All rats tested negative. S. Typhimurium or its monophasic variants isolated from 6 mouse 3 where same serovars pigs. This demonstrates appropriate programme reduces suggests reduction appropriately when Due high infection replacement challenging. Rodents may contribute carry-over batches. useful help infected going should supplemented by measures along breeding production