Association between Salmonella sp. and Yersinia enterocolitica infection in swine

By: Erin Shaw

Michigan State University, Class of 2013

Shaw, Erin; Funk, Julie; Plovanich-Jones, Anne E.; College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

Swine are known reservoirs for both Salmonella and Yersinia enterocolitica. Both are foodborne pathogens and can result in zoonotic disease if contamination of pork products occurs during harvest.  The epidemiology of Y. enterocolitica and Salmonella in swine is not well understood, and cost-effective preharvest control measures have not been identified. Previous reports from experimental studies in mice suggest that, via quorum-sensing, Salmonella detects Y. enterocolitica signals, increasing Salmonella colonization (Dyszel et al, 2009). This may present an opportunity for preharvest control via targeting Y. enterocolitica infection or disruption of quorum sensing. Demonstration of this association in naturally infected swine has not been demonstrated.

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Pigs...In...Space! (Oops, I meant Nebraska!)

By: Ruth West

Class of 2011, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

I am a junior at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with an interest in swine medicine. UF does operate a small swine unit just off of campus, where I lived and worked for a year, yet I was very interested in seeing some large operation swine units and finding out for myself what working as a food animal veterinarian was all about.

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