AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DETERMINE SALMONELLA DYNAMICS IN THE NICHE-MARKET ANTIMICROBIAL-FREE SWINE PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars have been known to be among the most common bacterial foodborne pathogens worldwide, and are known to be important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. There is an increasing emphasis on eliminating Salmonella in swine during pre-harvest production, and in swine-products during post-harvest processing in order to ensure the safest pork for human consumption. Recent increases in demand for niche-market antimicrobial-free (ABF) pork highlight the importance to determine Salmonella dynamics in these production systems. The goal of our integrated longitudinal study is to determine the epidemiology and risk factors that aid in the dissemination and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella among swine reared in both intensive (indoor) and the extensive (outdoor) ABF production systems. Our central hypothesis is that unique sets of conditions (e.g., exposure to variable management and environment) in the two major ABF systems favors the dissemination and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains that colonize and persist in the host and their environment. This longitudinal study is the first study of its kind in the US and will focus on defining the role played by ecological and management risk factors in the emergence, dissemination and persistence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in ABF swine production systems. Integral to this project is the preparation and evaluation of extension and education materials for swine-industry stakeholders that will provide them pertinent information on the best practices to be undertaken to maximize pre-harvest food safety.