Pig herds free from human pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Dec;13(12):1860-4. doi: 10.3201/eid1312.070531.

Abstract

Pork products are a substantial source of human yersiniosis, a foodborne disease caused by Yersinia enterocolitica. Thus, the ability to eliminate this agent from pig herds would be an important step in producing human pathogen-free pork. Pig herds free from Y. enterocolitica O:3/biovar 4 have been established and maintained. According to serologic and cultural testing results, 15 of 16 specific pathogen-free herds were free from Y. enterocolitica O:3/biovar 4; this closed breeding pyramid has remained free from this organism since 1996. Pig herds free from human pathogenic Y. enterocolitica suggest that human pathogen-free herds could be attained to provide pork free from zoonotic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Humans
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms*
  • Swine / blood
  • Swine / immunology
  • Swine / microbiology*
  • Yersinia enterocolitica / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial