[Specific pathogen-free health programs]

SPF programs have been established in various countries, particularly in Denmark and Switzerland these programs are already well advanced. The system proves to be advantageous for export dealings but also with regard to public health. Dalland is an internationally operating Dutch pig breeding organisation. In 1989 a SPF nucleus breeding farm was established in North-East France. A special program was set up for the supply of animals from this SPF nucleus. In this paper it is concluded that SPF can be economically beneficial. Under certain well-described circumstances SPF breeding seems feasible. Its is suggested that in future pigs could be produced that will be free of enteropathogens of interest to public health, e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter and Yersinia enterocolitica.