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Streptococcus suis in slaughter pigs and abattoir workers
Summary
Streptococcus suis type 2 infection is common in pigs in southwestern Ontario. Slaughterhouse workers, particularly eviscerators, face a higher risk of exposure to this bacteria from infected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis type 2 is a significant swine pathogen.
- Understanding its prevalence and transmission routes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus suis type 2 in pig herds in southwestern Ontario.
- To assess the risk of Streptococcus suis exposure for abattoir workers.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological detection and identification of Streptococcus suis type 2 from pig herds.
- Sampling and carrier rate assessment in a suspected infected herd.
- Contamination studies involving hands and knives in an abattoir setting.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus suis type 2 was detected in 8.1% of 347 surveyed pig herds.
- A carrier rate of 9.7% was observed in a herd with suspected infection.
- Eviscerators showed a significantly higher risk of exposure (p ≤ 0.05) compared to other abattoir workers.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus suis type 2 infection is widespread in southwestern Ontario pig populations.
- Subclinical carriers pose a potential infection source for slaughterhouse personnel.
- Specific abattoir tasks, like evisceration, increase occupational exposure risk.