This project set out to develop and evaluate alternative sanitization and disinfection measures that may be effective for control of potentially antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as measures that might prevent or further reduce development of antimicrobial resistance in pig production.
Various sanitation technologies identified and screened, included the use of alternative chemical-based disinfectants, selected nanoparticles, thermal and irradiation technologies, among others, which were also evaluated for their potential application in pork production. A follow up survey designed to gather additional information from various stakeholders reinforced the screening criteria in order to identify the top four potential sanitation alternatives. The top four alternatives will further receive an in- depth assessment in laboratory-scale and in-barn tests.
Initial results from the laboratory trials showed the efficacy of the silver nanoparticle treatment in reducing the microbial load on test surfaces. Subsequent tests are ongoing to compare the performance of the other treatments, followed by actual in-barn testing of the top measures.
Alternative sanitization measures to control pathogen growth in antibiotic-free production (full article)
