SEROPREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA IN SWINE FARMS IN SERBIA

Salmonellosis in humans, originating from pork, is an important zoonosis and the subject of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Salmonella enterica in swine herds. From each of the 10 farms 30 fattener pigs were examined. Selection of farms was based on the willingness of farmers to cooperate. The immune status of pigs was determined using the indirect ELISA test. The results showed a high level of seroprevalence of Salmonella enterica (33%) on the studied farms. General seroprevalence was 90% on the tested farms. Serological surveillance of Salmonella infections in herds of fatteners provides detection of high-risk herds and enables evaluation of the effectiveness of control measures implemented in primary production, and all of this in order to reduce contamination of pig carcasses.