[Seasonal variation for Salmonella seroprevalences in breeding gilt rearing herds].
The study was performed with the aim to characterize seasonal variations on the Salmonella seroprevalence in gilts. Serological results from a total of 13,511 gilts were available for the analysis. The samples were taken from 11 nucleus herds, 19 suppliers and 46 breeding gilt rearing herds. In principle, it was planned to take 10 blood samples at monthly intervals from gilts five to six months of age. The overall seroprevalences of Salmonella were low in the herds of this study. The analysis of seasonal variation showed a statistically significantly lower seroprevalence during the summer quarter (July through September). In comparison to other studies in Germany it must be pointed out that the herds belonged to a single breeding company, which has a strong commitment to enhanced biosecurity. The marked seasonal variation in Salmonella seroprevalences should be taken into consideration in the classification of herds within the scope of monitoring programmes. Scoring of herds is meaningful only after regular sampling for at least one year. Further investigations considering management, housing and hygienic conditions are necessary to determine the factors leading to higher Salmonella seroprevalence in the winter.
Vonnahme
Jörg
J
Aussenstelle für Epidemiologie, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover.
Kreienbrock
Lothar
L
grosse Beilage
Elisabeth
E
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D012475:Salmonella / Q000276:immunology*; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial