An assessment of pathogen removal during composting of the separated solid fraction of pig manure

► Pathogen survival was investigated during composting of pig manure solids. ► Salmonella, when present, was removed by composting. ► Enterococcus and E. coli were undetectable in the final compost and coliform were reduced. ► Fungi were reduced and aerobic spore-formers were stable in one trial but both increased in another. ► Overall, the compost complied with EU regulations for processed manure products. The aim was to investigate pathogen survival during composting of pig manure solids with and without bulking agents in two trials of 56days duration, each with four treatments. Salmonella was detected in the sawdust and straw bulking agents but was undetectable in the compost, except in one treatment at day 0. Enteric indicator organisms were reduced by day 7 (P