Control of Salmonella at pig finishing farms with a farm decision tree

To decrease the prevalence of Salmonella in the Dutch pork chain a management tool is developed based on the HACCP methodology (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) and tested at three pig farms on effectiveness and practical feasibility. A so called HACCP team defined Critical Control Points (CCP) and general measures. For all identified CCP’s corrective actions are determined. Based on the obtained knowledge eight decision trees are designed and applied at three pig farms during eight months. The finishing pigs were tested bacteriologically and serologically every 2-3 month on Salmonella typhimurium. At one farm the number of positive samples declined over time. The other two farms showed a low prevalence during the entire trial period, even though all farms had a high prevalence in august 2001. It can be concluded that the decision trees are useful to determine weak points and to advice specific control measures to prevent or reduce Salmonella in pig farms