LAUSR

Salmonella enterica Serotype 4,[5],12:i:- ( STM ) has become an increasing burden for food safety. This strain has been often detected in swine products. STM -contaminated feed, water or air were given to weanling pigs in order to determine possible STM transmission routes. A control group of pigs was also sampled. STM was monitored daily in feces and by rectal and nasal swabs. STM colonization was observed in tissues with the greatest amount in tonsil, lower intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes. No differences in lesion severity were observed between inoculated and control pigs. Contaminated feed, water, and aerosolized particles were able to cause infection in weaned pigs; however, no STM colonization was observed in skeletal muscle meat destined for human consumption. Based on the results from this study, contaminated pork products most likely stem from cross-contamination of STM from digesta or lymph nodes during processing.