Biosecurity measures reducing Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus prevalence in pig farms—a systematic review and meta-analysis
2024

Biosecurity Measures to Reduce Salmonella and Hepatitis E Virus in Pig Farms

Sample size: 32 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Huber Nikolaus, Meester Marina, Sassu Elena L., Waller Elisabeth S. L., Krumova-Valcheva Gergana, Aprea Giuseppe, D’Angelantonio Daniela, Zoche-Golob Veit, Scattolini Silvia, Marriott Emily, Smith Richard P., Burow Elke, Carreira Guido Correia

Primary Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria

Hypothesis

Can biosecurity measures effectively reduce the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus in pig farms?

Conclusion

The study found that certain biosecurity measures, like feed and water acidification and rodent control, significantly reduce the odds of Salmonella spp. presence on farms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Acidification of feed and water significantly reduced Salmonella spp. presence.
  • Rodent control was also effective in lowering Salmonella spp. odds.
  • High risk of bias was noted in the majority of studies reviewed.
  • Only a few biosecurity measures had sufficient data for meta-analysis.
  • Biosecurity measures are crucial for preventing zoonotic diseases in pig farming.

Takeaway

This study looked at ways to keep pigs healthy by using special cleaning methods to stop germs from spreading. Some methods worked really well!

Methodology

The study systematically reviewed and analyzed 32 articles on biosecurity measures against Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus in pig farms.

Potential Biases

High risk of bias was identified in the majority of studies, mainly due to selection and performance bias.

Limitations

Many biosecurity measures were supported by only a single observation, limiting the assessment of their true effectiveness.

Participant Demographics

The studies included pig farms from Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.22 for rodent control, 0.26 for feed acidification, 0.25 for water acidification

Confidence Interval

0.17–0.39 for feed acidification, 0.17–0.36 for water acidification, 0.10–0.45 for rodent control

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fvets.2024.1494870

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