UK - More producers needed for pig salmonella study

Sampling has taken place at around 30 ZAP 0 and ZAP 1 farms in England and Scotland and more visits are scheduled over the next few weeks. This is part of a Vetererinary Laboratories Agency study into salmonella on pig farms. The results will help producers tackle salmonella problems. "We know that busy farmers are anxious not to commit themselves to extra work and this has discouraged some people from joining the study but once they actually have joined up, they have realized that it is not too demanding and they have enjoyed working with us," says Elizabeth Marier, of the Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis at VLA, Weybridge. "We've been very encouraged by the positive response and good collaboration we've received from the farms involved in the study and we'd like to thank everyone involved for their help and collaboration so far." However, the agency needs to recruit more farms to obtain sufficient samples for its study. If you can help, please contact Elizabeth or her colleagues. "We would be pleased to speak to any potential participants by telephone or, if we are in the area on other visits, even to make personal contact, whilst respecting pig freedom, of course. Don't hesitate to contact us in order to get more details or if you have more questions." Contacts: Dr. Alasdair Cook 01932 357977; Ms. Elizabeth Marier 01932 357618; Mr Alexander Miller 01932 357623; Dr. Lucy Snow l.snow@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk 01932 357618.