<i>Salmonella</i>Control Programs in Denmark

TLDR

Salmonella control programs in Denmark target broiler chickens, layer hens, and pigs, and have led to major reductions in foodborne human salmonellosis through integrated farm and processing plant control. Control is achieved by monitoring herds and flocks, eliminating infected animals, and diversifying animals and products based on Salmonella status, with processing tailored to risk. In 2001, Denmark saved $25.5 million, incurred annual control costs of $14.1 million (≈$0.075/kg pork, $0.02/kg broiler or egg) borne almost entirely by industry, and the principles are applicable to other industrialized countries.

Abstract

Abstract We describe Salmonella control programs of broiler chickens, layer hens, and pigs in Denmark. Major reductions in the incidence of foodborne human salmonellosis have occurred by integrated control of farms and food processing plants. Disease control has been achieved by monitoring the herds and flocks, eliminating infected animals, and diversifying animals (animals and products are processed differently depending on Salmonella status) and animal food products according to the determined risk. In 2001, the Danish society saved U.S.$25.5 million by controlling Salmonella. The total annual Salmonella control costs in year 2001 were U.S.$14.1 million (U.S.$0.075/kg of pork and U.S.$0.02/kg of broiler or egg). These costs are paid almost exclusively by the industry. The control principles described are applicable to most industrialized countries with modern intensive farming systems.