Cleaning-disinfecting slaughterhouse holding pens: a key process in the fight against Salmonella infection

A 4-step protocol including detergency and disinfection provides effective elimination of Salmonella and total microbial contamination in slaughterhouse holding pens. However, given the man-hours and labour required, it is difficult to implement in all bays on a daily basis. Analysis of surfaces that were clean at the start of the week showed that daily use of a disinfectant following prewashing and direct mid-to-high pressure power spraying was sufficiently effective against salmonella and other bacteria. It would be useful to evaluate both the long-term efficiency of this disinfection process without previous detergent treatment and the impact of mechanical cleaning on wear and tear in the facilities. Despite the significant investment involved, other strategies – such as changes in pig pen design or automation of certain phases – could, if effective, prove useful in the long term by cutting labour expenses, which are the most expensive cost item in cleaning-disinfecting operations.