Specific Pathogen‐Free Pig Herds also Free from Campylobacter?

Abstract

As Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) pig herds are designed and managed to prevent specific pig diseases, it might be feasible to expand the list of micro-organisms also including zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter coli as this agent has its origin in pigs. In a previous survey, 15 of 16 of SPF herds were found free from human pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica. Accordingly, three nucleus and seven multiplying herds were surveyed for Campylobacter to investigate whether the Norwegian SPF pig pyramid also might be free from this agent. In conclusion, the intervention of Campylobacter at the herd level might be possible as four of 10 SPF herds tested negative in two sets of samples from both autumn 2008 and summer/early autumn 2010. The four negative herds were all located in remote areas several kilometres away from conventional pig farming while the positive SPF farms were all situated in neighbourhoods with conventional pig production. It seems more difficult to control Campylobacter than some specific animal disease agents and another significant zoonotic agent, Y. enterocolitica, in pig herds.

Campylobacter coli in Organic and Conventional Pig Production in France and Sweden: Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance

“…However, these data clearly indicate that maintaining pig herds free of Campylobacter is likely to be challenging. Nevertheless, Campylobacter -free pig herds were described in Norway, although these herds were located in remote areas far away from conventional pig herds (Kolstoe et al, 2015). …”

EMA and EFSA Joint Scientific Opinion on measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry in the European Union, and the resulting impacts on food safety (RONAFA)

“…Yersinia enterocolitica and Campylobacter spp. (Nesbakken, ; Kolstoe et al., ). It is considered likely that the improved management and hygiene standards applied to pig farms in order to maintain SPF status and to control Salmonella infections will have had a beneficial impact on other infectious diseases (Wegener et al., ; Goldbach and Alban, ; Kolstoe et al., ).…”

Update on cellular encapsulation

“…9,10,32,93,94 Cell lines have also been investigated, but currently, porcine donors provide the most likely source for xenogeneic tissue due to their physiological similarity to humans, availability of specific pathogen free animals, and breadth of available genetic modifications. 58,60,[62][63][64][95][96][97][98] Accordingly, porcine tissues including islets, hepatocytes, and choroid plexus have all been used in the context of xeno-encapsulation. As porcine tissues are increasingly translated to the clinic, it will become important to consider the age of the pig at the time the tissues are harvested to ensure optimal outcomes.…”

“…With respect to xenogeneic sources, non‐human primates, cows, sheep, and even fish have been considered for various tissues . Cell lines have also been investigated, but currently, porcine donors provide the most likely source for xenogeneic tissue due to their physiological similarity to humans, availability of specific pathogen free animals, and breadth of available genetic modifications . Accordingly, porcine tissues including islets, hepatocytes, and choroid plexus have all been used in the context of xeno‐encapsulation.…”