Abstract
The use of antimicrobial growth promoters in Danish food animal production was discontinued in 1998. Contrary to concerns that pathogen load would increase; we found a significant decrease in Salmonella in broilers before and after slaughter of swine and pork and no change in the prevalence of Campylobacter in broilers.
Highlights
Antimicrobial growth promoters are antimicrobial drugs added to animal feed to enhance growth and improve feed efficiency of food animals
Our study examines the effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters on the prevalence of Salmonella in Danish broiler flocks, chickens after slaughter, swine herds, and pork end products
Contrary to concerns that withdrawal of antimicrobial growth promoters would cause an increase in pathogen load, we found a decrease in Salmonella prevalence in broilers, chicken, swine, and pork and no change in the prevalence of Campylobacter in broilers
Summary
Antimicrobial growth promoters are antimicrobial drugs added to animal feed to enhance growth and improve feed efficiency of food animals. Our study examines the effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters on the prevalence of Salmonella in Danish broiler flocks, chickens after slaughter, swine herds, and pork end products. To account for this and for the uneven withdrawal of antimicrobial growth promoters in pigs, data from 1998 (broilers) and 1998–1999 (swine) were excluded from analysis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
