[Epidemiological analysis of a data bank on slaughtering pigs]

The structure and functions of the Danish Swine Slaughter Inspection System are described in the present paper. Particular attention was paid to epidemiological routine use and the use of this system for purpose of research. The former is essential to the support of the pig health care programme in Denmark. A few instances of descriptive as well as analytical studies are cited, which studies were based on a data bank, various methods of collecting data and various models of research being adopted. The importance of considering the various aspects of the validity of data with regard to each specific use is emphatically stressed.