Biomedical subjects

L O Barcos

Publications and source records attributed to L O Barcos.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The implementation of traceability systems.

Traceability is a tool to help countries meet their objectives of controlling, preventing and eradicating animal diseases. This article sets out the required steps in a traceability system. Before designing a system of traceability, one must identify the different characteristics that need to be traced throughout the various steps in the food production chain. The interaction between different sectors in defining the objectives and the resulting needs of a traceability system is fundamental. A clear legal framework is also indispensable. European Union (EU) legislation requires identification and registration for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. For intra-EU trade these animals must be accompanied by a health certificate providing information on their identity and health status. The required identification is harmonised on an EU-wide basis with the aim of ensuring traceability for veterinary purposes. Furthermore EU legislation requires that the traceability of food, feed and food-producing animals be established at all stages of production.

Animal Identification Systems↗

PubMed2001

Recent developments in animal identification and the traceability of animal products in international trade.

The author explores the variations in the domestic livestock populations world-wide between 1961 and 1998, and observes a marked increase in the swine population, as compared to other domestic species. Trends in international trade of live animals over the same period are also analysed; international trade involved 1% of livestock world-wide and the international meat market constituted 10% of total meat production. The various stages of the food chain are analysed, from farm to fork, with emphasis on those elements to which the concept of traceability is applicable; from the composition of bovines, to slaughter, and through the various products and sub-products all the way to the final product consumed. Against this background, the characteristics of identification systems for individual animals and animal products is described, as well as applications to traceback and trace forward. To conclude, the author details the factors which influence the various processes of identification and traceability, and thus must be considered when choosing a system. The wide variability amongst systems world-wide is noted and attributed to the differences in sanitary and economic or socio-cultural criteria. The author therefore recommends that work should begin on international harmonisation of such systems.

Animal Identification Systems↗

PubMed1999

[Prevention of and attention to emergencies in South America].

The authors review the policies designed to prevent and deal with animal health emergencies which have been implemented in countries of South America. They describe the evolution of the epidemiological situation of the continent, the new arrangements for international trade in animals and products of animal origin arising from the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the consequences of such developments for livestock production in South America. Veterinary systems used to prevent and deal with emergencies in the eleven OIE Member Countries on the continent are described, together with emerging problems which confront the Veterinary Services of the continent, namely: exotic diseases, abnormal occurrence of endemic diseases subject to control programmes, faults in food-safety mechanisms, diseases which have an environmental impact, and problems connected with animal welfare. The emergencies which present the greatest risk to South America are foot and mouth diseases, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, food poisoning, Newcastle disease and fowl plague. Other problems are the appearance of new strains of existing agents, and the presence of resistant individuals among species of bacteria or harmful arthropods. The authors emphasise the need to co-ordinate the prevention of emergencies with development work at the international level, particularly regional and international agreements, harmonization of procedures, progress in animal health and public health, risk analysis, etc. These systems and methods of prevention have a contribution to make in enhancing the potential of animal production in South America, and the adoption of stricter health and quality standards, according to criteria established by the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

Animal Diseases↗