February 8, 2012

Germany culls almost 12,000 pigs

The total number of culled pigs in Germany, which were suspected of antibiotic chloramphenicol contamination, had amounted to 11,900.

The contamination in pigs was discovered two weeks ago when chloramphenicol residues were found in pig urine, causing the temporary closure of pig farms.

The source of the chloramphenicol, dairy product manufacturer, Ehrmann, had used the chloramphenicol as a laboratory safety procedure. The product ended up in feed due to careless treatment of laboratory trash.

The Bavarian state authority for Health and Retail Safety stated that meat from the pig farms involved should not enter the food chain. Ehrmann has already indicated that it will compensate pig farmers affected by the culling.