The Zoonoses action plan for the control of salmonella in finishing pigs

摘要

In June 2002, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) established the Zoonoses Action Plan (ZAP) Salmonella Programme, with the purpose of reducing the risk of human exposure to salmonella from British pigs and pig products. ZAP is an abattoir-based monitoring and control programme operated through farm and abattoir assurance schemes, supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the pig industry. On behalf of Defra, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) provides support to the ZAP programme by offering veterinary investigation visits to farms in England and Wales (similar visits are carried out by Scottish Agricultural Colleges (SAC), on behalf of SEERAD, in Scotland). This paper provides background information to the scheme, describes Defra and VLA farm visit support in England and Wales, and summarises preliminary farm investigation findings.