Context

Contamination of pork Salmonella is a real threat to the Catalan pig meat sector and the entire Spanish State. Most studies show a high prevalence rate of Salmonella spp in both farms and slaughterhouses and also at later stages in the sale of pork meat and derived products.
In Catalonia, INNOVACC coordinated a working group (with the collaboration of DARP, ACSA, FECIC, PORCAT, ASFAC, and many other companies and institutions in the sector) to launch a voluntary Plan to control swine salmonellosis. Since 2016 the corresponding certification (PSP) is available for farms and slaughterhouses.A pilot study was made to determine the status of farms and slaughterhouses in relation to salmonella contamination and to define, among all participants, the minimum requirements that should be met within this voluntary program to control the level of prevalence and to have good practices in farms and slaughterhouses facilities.

Data from the pilot study coordinated by INNOVACC, show an average prevalence of 38% for 186 representative farms sector in Catalonia and Aragon (part of 30 different companies). We have also obtained data from 9 representative slaughterhouses in Catalonia, taking quarterly samples of juice in carcasses before cooling (average overall prevalence of 26%).

This project is a further step of all the work done by this pilot study coordinated by INNOVACC. We seek now to assess the effect of applying eradication and control measures, specifically to assess whether vaccination in pig holdings can help to significantly reduce the prevalence rates of S. typhimurium. If lower farm prevalence is achieved, salmonella presence in meat may be also reduced, provided the application of good biosecurity practices, hygiene, proper management, etc.