Electronic data collection to enhance disease surveillance at the slaughterhouse in a smallholder production system

Joseph G. Ogola,Christian O. Odinga,John Berezowski,Laura C. Falzon,Eric M. Fèvre,Leonid Naboyshchikov

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98495-7

Abstract

Globally, meat inspection provides data for animal health surveillance. However, paper-based recording of data is often not reported through to higher authorities in sufficient detail. We trialled the use of an electronic meat inspection form in Kenyan slaughterhouses, in lieu of the currently used paper-based format. Meat inspectors in two ruminant slaughterhouses completed and submitted an electronic report for each animal slaughtered at their facility. The reports, which captured information on the animal demographics and any eventual condemnations, were stored in a central database and available in real-time. A stakeholder meeting was held towards the end of the study. Over the 2.75 year study period, 16,386 reports were submitted; a downward linear trend in the monthly submissions was noted. There was a week effect, whereby more reports were submitted on the market day. Of the slaughtered animals, 23% had at least a partial condemnation. The most frequently condemned organs were the liver, lungs and intestines; the primary reasons for condemnations were parasitic conditions. Lack of feedback and difficulty capturing animal origin information were the primary challenges highlighted. The study demonstrated that electronic data capture is feasible in such challenging environments, thereby improving the timeliness and resolution of the data collected.

Highlights

Meat inspection provides data for animal health surveillance
This study illustrated how a mobile phone-based meat inspection form could facilitate data reporting and improve extraction of animal health information. These data could be integrated within the national surveillance system to provide updated estimates of the frequency of endemic diseases; a broader rollout of digital tools for animal health surveillance is underway in Kenya[32]
As baseline data are established over time, the observed spatial and temporal trends could be quantified and projected forwards to help improve preparedness for future disease outbreaks. These data could lay the groundwork for a syndromic surveillance system, whereby a higher than expected condemnation rate could raise the alarm about possible disease events or welfare concerns in the area

Summary

Introduction

Meat inspection provides data for animal health surveillance. paper-based recording of data is often not reported through to higher authorities in sufficient detail. Meat inspectors in two ruminant slaughterhouses completed and submitted an electronic report for each animal slaughtered at their facility. While the primary function of meat inspection is to prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases and safeguard food integrity[4], a number of characteristics make the data collected at the slaughterhouse suitable for animal surveillance purposes[5]. Meat inspectors are legally bound to keep daily record books of all animals slaughtered at their facility, together with the number of, and reason for, eventual condemnations. These daily records are compiled into monthly and annual reports which are submitted to both the County and National Director of Veterinary Services for further evaluation[14]. The data are often collected in an unstructured manner, making it difficult to extract useful information in a timely fashion[12,16,17]

Methods

Results

Conclusion