[Effect of transport stress on the content of endotoxin in blood of slaughter pigs].

Stress during transportation of slaughter pigs could lead to an increased level of translocation of endotoxin from the gut. In particular, during longtime transportation increased concentrations of endotoxin in blood are likely. Since nonlethal doses of endotoxin could trigger translocation of bacteria from the gut to systemic organs an endogenous contamination of the carcasses also with human pathogens may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate transportation regimes of slaughter animals also with regard to food-borne infections and intoxications.