QS salmonella program
The QS salmonella monitoring process serves to reduce the risk of salmonella entering the meat production chain by infected or contaminated animals, to identify possible sources of entry on the QS masting farm and to eliminate these by means of suitable measures.
QS carries out salmonella monitoring for both pork and poultry.
Salmonella monitoring for pork
The sample testing for salmonella is carried out at the slaughterhouse (blood samples from the meat) or at the pig fattening farm (blood samples taken by a vet). The samples are tested in QS recognised laboratories
for the existence of salmonella antibodies. The results are recorded in the central QS salmonella database and evaluated. The number of positive results is used to categorise the pig fattening farm into salmonella category I (low risk), II (medium risk) or III (high risk).
For the complete and even sampling of the pig fattening farms, the samplers call a sampling plan up out of the QS salmonella database. This is generated individually for each pork delivery. The categorisation of pork resources serves as an instrument for the implementation of targeted measures at the slaughterhouse and, in particular, at the agricultural production stage. To date, 93 % of the businesses that need to be categorised are included in the QS system.
Pig fattening farms categorised into category III are obliged, in agreement with the farm vet, to identify the sources of salmonella and to take targeted measures to reduce salmonella at the farm. This includes the cleaning and disinfection of empty stall sections as well as regular pest control.
Farms in which no fattening pigs are currently being kept and thus from which no samples can be taken for salmonella monitoring are able to get the coordinator to enter empty periods in the salmonella database. These are taken into account during categorisation and the calculation of sampling plans.
QS has expanded the salmonella database to include a consulting module to help support the vets and farmers. The consulting module can be used to systematically check the pig fattening farms for weaknesses, specifies measures to be taken and to monitor the development of the farm.
Salmonella monitoring for poultry and eggs
The sampling for salmonella is carried out directly at the poultry farms. The chicks or young animals are checked for salmonella when they are put into stalls, and shortly before slaughtering. If a check finds salmonella, the farmer is requested to implement suitable measures to prevent the spreading of salmonella in the farm. The slaughterhouse is informed of the check results and ensures that specific measures are taken to prevent cross-contamination in the slaughtering process.
The keepers of hens for laying eggs regularly check their animals for salmonella in order to recognise a potential contamination of the eggs ahead of time and to counteract it.
Positive examination results are always to be taken up with the farm vet responsible. Together individual measures are agreed and implemented individually for each farm.
Guidelines, Checklists and other Downloads can be found here.
