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PubMed2002

Effects of slaughter processes on pig carcass contamination by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7.

The aims of the present study were: (i) to evaluate verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) faecal carriage of slaughtered pigs; (ii) to determine the effects of three different pig slaughtering processes on pig carcass contamination by VTEC; (iii) to characterise the VTEC strains isolated from pig and pig slaughterhouses (virulence genes and serotype); and (iv) to compare the strains isolated in the same slaughterhouse in order to identify the routes of contamination inside the slaughterhouse. Pork carcasses from three French slaughterhouses were sampled at three steps of the slaughter process and different sites in each slaughterhouse were sampled at three different times in the work day. Faecal material from each sampled carcass, potable water and scalding water were also collected. Detection of stx genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a total of 1227 samples. In addition, a second PCR specific for E. coli O157:H7 detection was carried out on the stx-positive samples. VTEC strains were recovered from positive samples by colony hybridisation or immunoconcentration, then serotyped, genetically characterised (eae, ehx, stx1, stx2, stx2c, uidA genes associated with virulence) and pulsotyped. No E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from the three uidA-positive samples. VTEC faecal carriage was 31%. Global carcass contamination decreased with slaughter process (from 46% to 15%), whereas environmental contamination increased (from 7% to 29%). No VTEC isolates harboured eae, ehx, and uidA genes. VTEC contamination routes were not clearly identified.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical detection of parainfluenza type 3 virus antigens in paraffin sections of pneumonic caprine lungs.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of loss to ruminants throughout the world. Parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI-3) is one of the most important respiratory pathogens of bovine and ovine. In this study, prevalence of PI-3 virus infection as causative agent of pneumonia in goats was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 1505 goat lungs slaughtered in Bitlis and Van slaughterhouses were grossly examined and pneumonia was detected in 74 cases (4.91%). Lesions were more frequently encountered in anteroventral lobes than caudal lobes. With the exception of verminous pneumonia observed in 32 cases, immunohistochemical examinations were performed on 42 pneumonic lungs. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded lung tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex procedure using polyclonal antibodies to detect PI-3 viral antigens. The presence of PI-3 viral antigens was detected in 28 (66.6%) of 42 pneumonic lungs. Viral antigens were found most frequently in the cytoplasm of bronchiolar epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, and less frequently in the epithelial cells of bronchial glands, syncytial cells, alveolar macrophages, and lymphocytes and plasma cells. In conclusion, it was found that there was a close relationship between the pneumonia in goats and the presence of PI-3 viral antigens. Incidence of PI-3 virus in pneumonic lungs of goats was detected to be very high in the present study performed in the region of Bitlis and Van, Turkey.

Abattoirs↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Breaking strength of native and sutured trachea. An experimental study on sheep trachea.

Tracheal anastomoses are, even more so than other sutures, often only possible to prepare under tension and thus in danger of breakage. No information is available regarding native tracheae and freshly sutured tracheae. For this reason, our objective was to examine the tensile strength of native tracheae and compare it with freshly sutured specimens. Fresh tracheae were collected from the local slaughterhouse within 30 min of slaughter. With the help of a suitable holding device, 24 fresh tracheae were mounted on a material testing machine and stretched to breaking point, during which the force and distance required were recorded. The same study was carried out on each 10 freshly anastomosed tracheae using three different suturing techniques. The mean value of the maximum force required for native tracheae was 198 N. With continuous suturing (polypropylene), a mean value of 171 N was attained, and with single interrupted suturing (polydioxanone and polyglactin 910), 123 N, respectively, 108 N. Differences between the groups proved to be highly significant. With respect to the mechanical strain from traction, the continuous suture proved to be statistically identical to native tracheae, whereas single interrupted sutures revealed a considerably lower stability under burden. Therefore, the continuous suture is of advantage in respect of the mechanical strain from traction and the suture protection of tracheal anastomoses. Further studies with differing survival times in vivo with this method provide insight into the stability of tracheal anastomoses during the healing process.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2004

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated haemoperfused bovine uterus: an in vitro model of acute inflammation.

Following on from previous studies on dermal inflammation in the isolated perfused bovine udder, a new in vitro model of the isolated haemoperfused bovine uterus was established for studies on acute inflammatory reactions (for example, eicosanoid synthesis and regulation of cyclooxygenase-1 [COX-1] and COX-2) caused by ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. The organs and blood used in this study were obtained from a slaughterhouse. Within 2 hours of slaughter, uterine perfusion was re-established, by using a mixture of homologous blood and Tyrode solution (4:1). After equilibration, several deposits of arachidonic acid (5 mg and 0.1 mg) and arachidonylethanolamide (0.1 mg) were injected into the myometrial tissue. Tissue biopsies were taken from treated and untreated areas at 180 and 300 minutes after the onset of haemoperfusion, for measuring prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels. In addition, the regulation of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA was investigated by using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Eicosanoid levels were determined by using an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Because both an increase in PGE(2) concentration and up-regulation of COX mRNA were observed, the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone, added to the perfusion medium, were studied. Dexamethasone caused a significant decrease in tissue PGE(2) production, but did not induce down-regulation of COX-2 mRNA. In conclusion, the isolated haemoperfused bovine uterus was introduced as an in vitro model of acute inflammation, induced by I-R injury. The suitability of the model for investigating anti-inflammatory substances was demonstrated. Use of the isolated haemoperfused bovine uterus in pharmacological research and drug screening may contribute to reducing the number of animals used for testing.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

PubMed1999

[Antibodies against Trichinella spiralis in the rural population of the Province of Cordillera, Bolivia].

A seroepidemiological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spiralis among rural residents of Cordillera province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 234 serum samples were examined, and antibodies were detected in seven of the samples (3%). The results document for the first time the presence of human infestation with Trichinella in Bolivia and suggest the need to strengthen trichinelosis surveillance in the municipal slaughterhouses, to prevent the clandestine slaughter of animals, and particularly to ensure that residents and meat producers in the area become aware of the dangers of this zoonosis.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2000

[A possible approach to improve present meat inspection].

The final decision in the meat inspection mainly depends on the results of the examinations before, during, or directly after the slaughter of animals in the slaughterhouse. The present threats to public health cannot be adequately judged on that place and under these circumstances. A new approach of the meat inspection methods is only possible with the cooperation of the other EU member states and the people who are involved in the meat inspection. New views on the purpose of meat inspection and the possibility of translation of these ideas towards Food Safety Objectives could be the basis for adaptation of the meat inspection. The rigid form in which the present meat inspection exists can be changed by this approach.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of Salmonella in Ethiopian cattle and minced beef.

To estimate the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella in the chain from cattle to the consumer, faeces, mesenteric lymphnodes and beef cuts from 235 cattle, stool samples from 300 workers of the same Addis Ababa abattoir, and 330 minced beef samples from supermarkets in Addis Ababa were analyzed. Isolated Salmonella strains were serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Low prevalence in faeces and lymphnodes, and higher contamination rates of beef cuts (diaphragm, abdominal muscles) indicate severe cross-contamination during slaughter. Animals of poor health status were far more frequently carriers of salmonellae, which stresses the need of intensive ante-mortem inspection on slaughter animals. During transport from slaughterhouse to the supermarkets, production and selling of minced beef, the prevalence of Salmonella did not increase.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2003

Human infection with Dicrocoelium dendriticum in Riyadh district (Saudi Arabia).

Dicrocoelium dendriticum (the lancet fluke) is less common liver parasite. Adults inhibit bile duct, while characteristic eggs pass in stools. During one academic year, a total of 1196 patients referred to Parasitology Laboratory from King Abdel Aziz University Hospitals, 121 patients were positive for D. dendriticum. The majority was Saudis, and only 32 of the 121 patients (26.4%) had true dicrocoeliosis, as detected by re-examination after three days of liver free diet. The other patients have false Dicrocoeliasis. The infection was influenced by the patients' behaviours. The Saudis consume more sheep meat during month (Du-Elheja) of Haj and Feast. Examination of the slaughtered sheep at the governmental slaughterhouses showed the majority of them have the liver infected (9-24%) with the lancet liver fluke. It is concluded that rate of infection proportionates with the rate of sheep infection and the consumption of infected livers. For proper estimation of human infection should be on diet free liver before examination.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[The functional expectations of valve bioprostheses. I. Physical and histopathological tests for the use of sections of bovine pericardium].

PURPOSE: The heterogenicity of the bovine pericardium sac regarding its elasticity, extensibility and thickness encouraged the work with the purpose to study the different areas of pericardium, mapped according to its position on the heart. METHOD: Ten bovine pericardium sacs previously selected and obtained at the slaughterhouse immediately after the animal slaughter were utilized. The pericardia were sectioned sagittally from the anterior to the posterior portion, thus obtaining two parts, right and left. Two areas were demarcated for each one of them amounting to four regions: A, B, C and D. Each of the four regions was divided into two regions: 1 and 1, amounting to 80 samples. There have been physical tests (shrinkage and mechanical resistance), histopathological studies and statistical analysis were done. RESULTS: The right ventricle area (region D) had the best utilization (21.3%), and then the left ventricle area (region B, 16.2%). The physical tests on the utilized samples showed minimum and maximum values of 0.20 and 0.40 mm for the thickness, 2.0 and 7.0 kgf for force, 1.6 and 4.2 kgf/mm2 for rupture, 18 and 36% for stretching, 15 and 65 for tenacity index and 85 and 87 degrees C for shrinkage. The region D presented histologically and more preserved, either for the collagen fibers or the elastic ones. CONCLUSION: The results of the statistical analysis proved the need to increase the sample size to certify the existence of a sectioning of the pericardium and a more adequate position of the proof body (longitudinal, transversal and oblique) when obtaining the pericardium flap to make the valve bioprosthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Microbiological contamination of reindeer carcass during slaughter.

Microbiological counts for 10 different sampling sites of 28 reindeer carcasses were studied in 3 reindeer slaughterhouses in Finland. On each carcass the hindshank, round, abdomen, flank, brisket, foreleg, shoulder, neck, foreback and back were sampled immediately after slaughter, using a non-destructive swabbing method. The overall mean bacterial count for 10 sampling sites of reindeer carcasses was 1.51 +/- 0.51 log10 cfu/cm. Statistically significant differences were detected between sampling sites. The back part of the reindeer carcass, i.e. hindshank, round, back and foreback, seemed to be relatively clean. The most contaminated parts were the foreleg, brisket and abdomen (2.05-2.95 log10 cfu/cm2); these could be used for monitoring the hygiene of the reindeer carcass after slaughter. Differences between the 3 slaughterhouses were detected for some sampling sites, which may be due to differences in slaughter techniques and hygiene.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2007

Enumeration of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. from poultry carcasses at the end of the slaughter-line.

AIM: To enumerate Campylobacter on poultry carcasses at the end of the slaughter-line, and investigate the extent to which Campylobacter from a positive flock were transmitted to other flocks during slaughter. METHODS AND RESULTS: The presence (in caeca) and the level (from carcasses) of Campylobacter were determined. The isolates were fingerprinted by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A total of three of 13 broiler flocks and three of four-layer flocks harboured caecal Campylobacter. Carcasses from the caeca-positive broiler flocks were Campylobacter positive with numbers ranging from 2.6 x 10(4) to 2.6 x 10(6) CFU per carcass. Two caeca-negative broiler flocks, slaughtered directly after the positive broiler flocks, had the first carcasses contaminated with Campylobacter, with numbers below 2 x 10(4) CFU per carcass of the same AFLP haplotypes as the preceding flock. Campylobacter was detected on carcasses from only one of the caeca-positive layer flocks in numbers below 2 x 10(4) CFU per carcass. No Campylobacter was detected on carcasses from a flock succeeding the positive-layer flocks. CONCLUSION: Carcasses from Campylobacter-positive broiler flocks were heavily contaminated with Campylobacter, and transmitted low levels of Campylobacter to carcasses from negative flocks, slaughtered directly after. Campylobacter-positive layer flocks had low numbers of Campylobacter on the carcasses. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results indicate limited cross-contamination of Campylobacter between flocks at the slaughterhouse, reducing the advantage of logistic slaughter.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2002

Use of spatial statistics and monitoring data to identify clustering of bovine tuberculosis in Argentina.

The spatial distribution of endemic bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Argentine cattle herds was described using recorded information on the detection of TB-like lesions in cattle slaughtered between March 1995 and 1997 at 126 slaughterhouses with federal inspection. Approximately, 47% (9472396 cattle) of the estimated total number of cattle slaughtered in Argentina during this period was included in the study. Information on the number of cattle per source herd consigned to slaughter, number of cattle with TB-like lesions per herd and the geographical location of counties from which cattle originated was used to investigate spatial clustering of TB. Overall, no evidence of clustering of TB prevalence by county was detected (Moran's autocorrelation statistic I=0.009, P=0.089). However, first- (Cuzick and Edwards' test statistic, T(k)=87, P=0.036) and second-order (T(k)=170, P=0.038) nearest-neighbor case-counties (TB prevalence>median prevalence of all counties, 6.7%) were clustered. Using the spatial scan test based on a Bernoulli model, the most-likely cluster (P=0.001) identified during the study period included 5793 cases of TB (5.2 per 1000 km(2)) in five counties. This cluster coincided with Santa Fe Province, which contains 21% of all dairy cows in Argentina and accounts for 34% of the country's milk production. Several secondary clusters of TB-also located in dairy districts-were identified. Study results demonstrate that bovine TB is clustered in Argentina, and these clusters coincide with dairy cattle production. Identification of clustering can assist efforts to eradicate bovine TB from Argentina. Further spatial investigations need to focus on the reasons why TB is clustered in Argentina. In particular, the relationship between TB clustering and management practices-such as grazing density and production systems-need to be described to assist in the development of disease-control programs. The use of spatial statistics and geographical information systems could meet these needs.

Abattoirs↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiological investigations into the sources of Salmonella contamination of pork.

This study was conducted to elucidate which phases of the pork production chain contribute to the Salmonella contamination on pork after slaughter. During 7 sampling days, samples were collected of randomly selected slaughter pigs and of pigs from selected Salmonella-infected and Salmonella-free herds, trucks, lairages, and slaughterlines, in two slaughterhouses. Salmonella genotypes, present on pork after slaughter, were compared with Salmonella types, present on the farm, in the truck, in the lairage, on slaughter equipment, and in pigs from other herds. Results showed that the slaughterline was the most important source of Salmonella contamination of carcasses. The farm was the most important source of contamination of livers, tongues, rectal samples and mesenterial lymphnodes, for pigs originating from sero-positive herds. The lairage was the most important contamination source for pigs originating from sero-negative herds, for all samples, except carcasses. It is recommended to avoid each direct or indirect contact between different herds along the whole pork production chain, especially between Salmonella-infected and Salmonella-free herds.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2006

Campylobacter contamination during poultry slaughter in Belgium.

The relation between internal carriage and surface contamination with thermophilic Campylobacter species in broilers was examined by molecular typing methods. Samples from 39 flocks were collected in three Belgian poultry slaughterhouses. From each flock, crop swabs before slaughter and intestines and neck skins during slaughter were collected. A total of 309 isolates were identified at species level and further characterized by flagellin gene A PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Isolates were identified as Campylobacter jejuni (90%), Campylobacter coli (8.7%), and Campylobacter lari (2.2%), and 27 genotypes could be distinguished by combining the two molecular methods. Seventy-two percent of the flocks arriving at the abattoir were colonized with campylobacters. After slaughter, 79% of the flocks had contaminated neck skins. In six flocks, genotypes isolated from the neck skins were also found in the alimentary tract from previously slaughtered flocks. Four of these flocks were initially free of Campylobacter. These four flocks might have had no contaminated carcasses after logistic slaughtering.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2006

Postchill campylobacter prevalence on broiler carcasses in relation to slaughter group colonization level and chilling system.

Data from an ongoing national surveillance program of Campylobacter prevalence in broiler slaughter groups were related to results from a 1-year baseline study of broiler carcasses postchill. The goals were to establish the relation between Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter groups and on carcasses and to determine the effect of various chilling systems on Campylobacter prevalence. Pooled cloacal and neck skin samples from the surveillance program were analyzed after enrichment. Carcass rinse samples from the baseline study were analyzed after enrichment and by direct plating. Data from both studies were available for 614 carcasses. Direct-plating analyses indicated that the percentages of carcasses positive for Campylobacter jejuni and other Campylobacter spp. in slaughter groups with negative cloacal samples were 2 and 10%, respectively, whereas enrichment analyses indicated prevalences of 2% in both cases. Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter groups with a high degree of intestinal colonization (more than half of the pooled cloacal samples positive) was significantly higher than in slaughter groups with a low degree of colonization (76 to 85% and 30 to 50%, respectively, depending on Campylobacter spp. and analytical method). The prevalence of Campylobacter-positive carcasses postchill was at the same level as the prevalence of carcasses that originated from slaughter groups with positive neck skin samples at four of the six slaughterhouses. Only at one slaughterhouse, with an air-chilling system, was the postchill prevalence (13%) lower than that expected from slaughter group data (23%). The postchill prevalence (43%) was higher than that expected from slaughter group data (33%) at one slaughterhouse with immersion chilling.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1989

Differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus from freshly slaughtered poultry and strains 'endemic' to processing plants by biochemical and physiological tests.

A comparison was made of 27 'endemic' strains of Staphylococcus aureus and 35 strains from freshly slaughtered birds, isolated at five commercial slaughterhouses processing chickens or turkeys. Of 112 biochemical and physiological tests used, 74 gave results which differed among the strains. Cluster analysis revealed several distinct groupings which were influenced by strain type, processing plant and bird origin; these included a single group at the 72% level of similarity containing most of the 'endemic' strains. In comparison with strains from freshly slaughtered birds, a higher proportion of 'endemic' strains produced fibrinolysin, alpha-glucosidase and urease and were beta-haemolytic on sheep-blood agar. The 'endemic' type also showed a greater tendency to coagulate human but not bovine plasma, and to produce mucoid growth and clumping. The last two properties, relevant to colonization of processing equipment, were less evident in heart infusion broth than in richer media or process water collected during defeathering of the birds.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Discrepancies between the isolation of Salmonella from mesenteric lymph nodes and the results of serological screening in slaughter pigs.

Most Salmonella control programmes are based on serological testing in the slaughterhouse. However, from a point of view of carcass contamination, it is rather the presence of Salmonella spp. in the animal at the time of slaughter that is important. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the possible discrepancies between the isolation of Salmonella spp. in the mesenteric lymph nodes and the results of serological screening. In total, 1821 fattening pigs originating from 60 Belgian farrow-to-finish herds were sampled in the slaughterhouse. The serum samples were analysed using an indirect mix-ELISA for the presence of Salmonella antibodies and evaluated at 3 cut-off values namely 10, 20, and 40% Optical Density (OD). All mesenteric lymph node samples were submitted to qualitative Salmonella isolation and a representative number of isolates was serotyped. From each herd, 30 animals were screened both serologically and bacteriologically and the herd was considered as positive when at least one sample was positive. At the herd level, 83.6% (cut-off OD 40%) to 100.0% (cut-off OD 10%) of the herds from which Salmonella had been isolated were evaluated as seropositive. At the individual level, only 34.5% (cut-off OD 40%) to 82.8% (cut-off OD 10%) of the animals from which Salmonella had been isolated were seropositive. Overall, a weak agreement was found between bacteriology and serology for Salmonella diagnosis. If pig herds are categorised using serological tests in the slaughterhouse, one should be aware of the fact that slaughter pigs can still harbour Salmonella spp. in the mesenteric lymph nodes, without being detected in serological tests. The cut-off value used to evaluate a sample as serologically positive and the number of samples per herd are of major importance to classify herds correctly in order to protect human health.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Comparison of various examination methods used in ovarian diagnostics in cattle].

In this study diagnostic certainty of ultrasonography and rectal palpation concerning the detection of follicles and C.I. was compared by evaluation of the findings obtained with ultrasonography in waterbath and dissection of the ovaries after slaughter. Clinical examinations were performed on a total of 30 cows (transrectally and ultrasonographically, 5.0 mhz, linear) in slaughterhouse. In the laboratory ovaries were evaluated after slaughter both macroscopically and by ultrasonography in waterbath. Diagnostic reliabilities of these methods were compared. No difference between the methods was determined concerning the longitudinal measurements of corpora lutea (19.96 +/- 4.83 mm, 20.41 +/- 5.41 mm, 21.45 +/- 5.26 mm by ultrasonography, waterbath and macroscopy respectively). By means of determining the correct identification of corpora lutea, the error rate was 24.1% and 17.2% for rectal palpation and ultrasonography respectively. The comparison of rectal palpation and macroscopy showed that three small corpora lutea and two corpora lutea with small cavity were determined wrongly as small follicles and two corpora lutea were determined whereas they were not present actually. With ultrasonography four small C.I. could not be detected and one C.I. with cavity was wrongly determined as follicle. It was noticed that follicles bigger than 10 mm (F2 = 10-15 mm, F3 = 16-20 mm) could be determined more accurately by means of ultrasonography than by rectal palpation (with ultrasonography: F2 = 90.48%, F3 = 100.0%; with rectal palpation, F2 = 61.9%, F3 = 200.0%). The correlation of the findings of rectal palpation or ultrasonography and blood progesterone levels was 86.2% and 89.7% respectively. This accordance was 96.6% for progesterone levels and waterbath and macroscopic findings.

Abattoirs↗