The use of meat juice serological surveillance for the control of important zoonotic agents in pigs at slaughter

In addition to Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are considered the most important meat- related hazards in pigs. Since their control by conventional meat inspection procedures is limited, except for Trichinella spp., sufficient serological data on their seroprevalence in pigs on farms can help to take the necessary intervention measures at slaughterhouse level. The seroprevalence of Yersinia spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. was investigated in the meat juice of 92 domestic pigs from 46 farms of different size and biosecurity level. Antibodies were analysed using commercially available ELISA kits in meat juice obtained from frozen diapfragma samples. The results showed that 38.04% (N=35) of the pigs were positive for antibodies against T. gondii, while 18.47% (N=17) contained antibodies against Yersinia spp. (OD ≥0.3). All pigs were negative for the presence of antibodies to Trichinella spp. (OD 1) keeping up to 5 pigs. The information obtained from serological monitoring of meat juices can be used as part of the food chain information (FCI) and is therefore a useful tool for controlling these pathogens at slaughterhouse level.