Salmonella in Wild Boars (Sus Scrofa): Influence of Hunting and Dressing Procedures on Meat Safety

Abstract

Salmonella spp. is considered as a high-priority foodborne hazard for control in wild boar meat. This comprehensive study about Salmonella spp. in population of wild boars in Serbia was conducted with an aim to assess the influence of hunting and dressing procedures on the spread of Salmonella on wild boar carcasses and to examine the molecular similarities of strains isolated from wild boars. Samples from wild boars from twelve hunting estates in South-West Vojvodina, Serbia, were taken from 425 hunted animals, which was 25.3% of the total wild boar population in all hunting estates. Three samples were taken from each animal’s skin swabs, feces, and carcass meat swabs. A total of 1,275 samples were examined using standard ISO protocols. Subtyping of the isolates was performed and compared using Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Salmonella prevalence was 4.2%, and Salmonella Enteritidis was the dominant serotype (74.5%). Carcass meat contamination originated from the feces of the same animal. Two or more entrance wounds, damage of the abdominal cavity caused by non-expert shooting were factors found to increase Salmonella contamination on the skin and/or on carcass meat. Rain during the hunting and practice of diaphragm and peritoneum removal and the evisceration being performed on the ground/floor or in hanging position did not lead to increase in Salmonella contamination on the meat. Although the determined prevalence was not high in wild boars compared to farm pigs, it is possible that Salmonella entered the food chain through contaminated meat. Therefore, the importance of good hunting and hygiene practice in handling and dressing wild boar carcasses should not be underestimated.