Federal Inspection Research Articles

In-Plant Validation Study of Harvest Process Controls in Two Beef Processing Plants in Honduras

Imported meat in the United States can become a food safety hazard if proper food safety programs are not fully implemented in foreign meat processing plants. Thus, exporting countries' food safety inspection systems must be equivalent to the U.S. federal inspection system to become eligible to export meat to the United States. The objective of this study was to validate the beef harvest Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and food safety programs of two beef processing plants in Honduras operating under U.S. equivalency standards by evaluating the presence of Salmonella (plant A) and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC; plant B) on hides. Additionally, evaluating pathogen transfer from hides to carcasses, as detected by preevisceration sampling, and the mitigation of transferred pathogens, by application of carcass spray interventions and determination of Salmonella presence in lymph nodes, was also conducted. In plant A, the presence of Salmonella on hides ( n = 30 of 687; 4.4%) was significantly greater ( P < 0.10) than on carcasses swabbed at preevisceration ( n = 7 of 687; 1.0%), after intervention ( n = 13 of 678; 1.9%), and in lymph nodes ( n = 14 of 691; 2.0%). In plant B, Salmonella was not detected on hide samples; therefore, data could not be used for validation of the harvest Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points program. Alternatively, STEC presence on hides ( n = 21 of 85; 24.7%) was greater ( P < 0.10) than on carcasses at preevisceration ( n = 3 of 85; 3.5%) and after intervention ( n = 1 of 85; 1.2%). Pathogen presence in plant B did not differ ( P = 0.306) between carcasses in preevisceration and postintervention stages; both, however, were substantially low. Both plants' controls effectively reduced Salmonella and STEC presence in postintervention carcasses.

Sarcocistosis in cattle slaughtered in slaughterhouse with federal inspection in Santa Catarina

Human intestinal sarcocistosis is acquired by the ingestion of meat containing zoonotic cysts from mature protozoan Sarcocystis, intramuscular, bovine or porcine, evolving into an intestinal cycle after consumption of infected meat. This paper aims to identify cysts of Sarcocystis in cardiac musculature of 146 cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse under federal inspection, in the city of Santa Cecilia, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Hearts were selected and samples of the musculature were collected. Histological sections were submitted to microscopy for cysts identification. The basophilic sarcocystis, encysted between the musculature fibers, were measured for determining the species according to criteria based on the shape and thickness of the wall. Of the 146 heart tissue samples. No samples showed macroscopic cysts, and 86.6% (122) were positive for sarcocysts, identified by morphological criteria (thin wall of less than 1μm) as S. cruzi. The difficulty of diagnosing macroscopic lesions of this parasite in meat inspection at slaughterhouses ends up allowing this muscle to be commercialized.

Injury and condemnation data of pigs at slaughterhouses with federal inspection in the State of Paraná, Brazil, as indicators of welfare during transportation

ABSTRACT: Pigs transportation is a critical stage for their welfare and can directly influence the rates of carcass condemnation. The objective of this research was to study the injuries and condemnation data recorded in the Federal Inspection System (SIF) as potential welfare indicators during pig transport. In federally inspected slaughterhouses in the State of Paraná, Brazil, from january 2011 to December 2016, 1.4% (602,006) of carcasses were condemned, 15.0% (90,426) as a result of injuries related to transportation. From total condemnation cases, 12.1% (72,759) were due to traumatic injury, 2.5% (15,144) to PSE, 0.4% (2,327) to dead on arrival and 0.03% (196) to other transportation welfare indicators. There was no correlation between the condemnation rates and the meteorological data. The results exposed the need for improvement in pig transport conditions. In addition, this study allowed us to point out possible improvements in the collection of nosographic data into the SIF’s Management Information System (SIGSIF), such as inclusion of other injuries associated with welfare restrictions, standardization of the terms that already exist in the system, improvement in the indicator measurements, development of regulations and training for professionals involved. Results suggested that SIGSIF data are useful for monitoring the welfare of pigs during transportation, with potential for refinement from improvements in data recording.

Bovine brucellosis in slaughterhouses controlled by Federal and Municipal Inspection Services in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The aims of the current study were to investigate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis, to correlate laboratory results of serum reactive samples to the serology of animals presenting serous pouches, and to identify possible risk factors for the development of the disease. In order to do so, 1,265 bovine blood samples were collected from male and female animals bred in different counties in Maranhão state, Brazil, and in other regions of the country. The animals were slaughtered in two slaughterhouses controlled by the Federal Inspection Service (FIS), and in two others controlled by the Municipal Inspection Service (MIS), of regions such as Açailândia and Imperatriz. Samples were tested for specific antibodies by using buffered acidified antigen (BAA) and 2-mercaptoethanol in combination with slow serum agglutination (2-ME + SSA). Additionally, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to 100 owners, who provided animals to the slaughterhouses, to enable investigating the risk factors for bovine brucellosis. Fifteen serous pouches of animals presenting this lesion were also collected at slaughter time. Thirty-nine out of the analyzed samples were reacted to BAA, whereas 15 reacted to the 2-ME + SSA test; only one male was reagent and it resulted in 1.19% prevalence. One out of the 15 collected serous pouches reacted to the 2-ME + SSA test. The risk factors identified in this study were: the incidence of miscarriages, the sale of animals without previous examination, and the failure in testing the animals before introducing them in herds and before slaughter. It was possible to conclude that the animals slaughtered in the herein evaluated slaughterhouses were infected with Brucella abortus, as well as that this infection prevailed in females.

Broiler carcass condemnation pattern during processing

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the influence of climate pattern and rearing conditions on broiler carcass condemnations observed during processing. We evaluated the registered data of 2015 from the federal inspection files in all broiler slaughterhouses located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwestern Brazil. The percentages of condemnations by airsacculitis, cellulitis, dermatosis, ascites syndrome, total carcass condemnations, and average broiler weight at 42 days were analyzed. Data were associated with housing systems and season of the [...]

Bacteriological and Histopathological Evaluation of Articulations of Chickens Diagnosed with Arthritis

ABSTRAT Arthritis implies inflammation of the intra-articular structures and is one of the causes of condemnation in broilers. The disease is associated with infectious agents such as Staphylococcus aureus, which may pose a potential public health risk. This work was conducted with the objective to determine the occurrence of arthritis in broiler chickens, predominantly of bacterial staphylococcal origin and if there is a difference between the degrees of injury regarding the presence of the bacterium and the histological lesion. Sixty samples of chickens diagnosed with arthritis by Federal Inspection Service from commercial slaughterhouse were collected according to their severity (of mild and severe degree) and submitted to bacteriological and histopathological analysis. There was bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus in 3.3% of the samples classified as mild degree in 10% of the samples classified as severe grade of lesion (p=0,29). For histopathological evaluation, 16.67% and 70% of the samples presented inflammatory infiltrate in mild and severe degrees, respectively (p=0,0001). Mild degree arthritis is related to non-infectious lesions in their higher prevalence while severe-grade arthritis has infectious causes. The condemnation criteria were efficient since S. aureus could be present regardless of the degree of the lesion diagnosed in arthritis.

An evaluation of environmental, intrinsic and pre- and post-slaughter risk factors associated to dark-cutting beef in a Federal Inspected Type slaughter plant

The objective was to determine the risk factors associated to dark-cutting in bovine carcasses. The study was conducted at a Federal Inspection abattoir located in northeastern Mexico. A random sample of 394 animals at slaughter was used. A total of 26 explanatory variables were evaluated; the analysis included environmental, animal-specific, and management factors both at pre- and post- slaughter periods. Only four variables were statistically significant within the final logistic regression model (P < .001). The frequency of dark-cutting carcasses was 13.45%. Lairage time was directly proportional to the percentage of risk for dark-cutting beef. Improper desensitization also increased the frequency of carcasses with this anomaly. Backfat thickness and the 24-h pH differential of the carcasses were inversely proportional to the risk for dark-cutting beef. An interesting finding was that risk factors for DFD meat are present in all stages of the slaughter process and thus to effectively address this problem an integral evaluation is needed throughout the slaughter process.

Broiler Chicken Meat Inspection Data in Brazil: A First Glimpse into an Animal Welfare Approach

ABSTRACT We aimed to study the potential use of carcass condemnation data of broiler chicken slaughterhouses in Brazil as indicators in an animal welfare monitoring program, and to identify points to be addressed to increase data reliability. Data from 2010 to 2015 in the states of Parana (PR), Santa Catarina (SC) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS) were used. Fractures and bruising were recorded together, representing the most prevalent welfare problem, followed by skin lesion or inflammation. In PR, progressive increases on injury, arthritis, ineffective bleeding, and air sacculitis condemnation may reveal important welfare aspects. High correlation between AWI within PR was more commonly observed than in RS and SC, perhaps as a result of earlier implementation of local meat inspection standardization. Principal component analysis showed changes on condemnation data pattern in PR after standardization, pointing injury and Escherichia coli problems as the main causes for condemnation related to animal welfare. There is considerable potential to improve animal health and welfare surveillance using meat inspection structure that is already in place for food safety purposes, provided that the competent authority harmonizes the procedure of meat inspection among the States, sets specific animal welfare outcomes to be monitored, and integrates condemnation, transport and flock data. It seems crucial to update data collection to establish a routine that allows risk analysis regarding both food safety and animal welfare. In this regard, cooperative work between Federal Inspection and companies seems an interesting approach to promote transparency of the production processes, which would benefit society and animals.

Using palynological evidence from royal jelly to mediate the spread of Paenibacillus larvae in Brazil

ABSTRACT Royal jelly may contain pollen grains and their presence can be used to determine the phytogeographical origin of the product. This study analyzed the phytogeographical origin of commercial royal jelly samples from São Paulo State, tested as part of the Brazilian Federal Inspection System (SIF), found to be contaminated with spores of the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, that causes the American Foulbrood Disease. The pollen grains of Castanea had the highest total percentage, with lower percentages of Cirsium/Carduus, Cistus, Parthenocissus, Prunus, Quercus, Robinia, Scrophulariaceae, Taraxacum, Tilia, among others. This pollen spectrum is incompatible with royal jelly samples produced in Brazil. The pollen spectrum resembled that of an imported product, compatible with the Northern Hemisphere origin. Brazilian legislation does not require the phytogeographic origin of imported bee products to be analyzed by palynological procedures, but it is mandatory to have a certificate issued by the country of origin attesting the absence of pathogens, monitored with the objective of preventing the exotic diseases from entering Brazil. Palynology, therefore, proved to be fundamental in detecting imports of this contaminated batches.

Comparison between tests for tuberculosis diagnosis in slaughtered bovines

ABSTRACT: Our goal for this article is to compare several different diagnosis tests for bovine tuberculosis identification. We have performed bacterial isolation, histopathological characterization, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) identification and M. bovis DNA detection. Lesions suggestive of Tuberculosis were sampled from bovine lymph nodes during slaughtering of bovines at an abattoir that operates under federal inspection. The bacterial isolation was performed in solid culture mediums, the histopathological characterization was made by Hematoxylin-eosinstaining, and AFB identification by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Bacterial DNA detection was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using DNA from two different sources, directly collected from the tuberculosis-like lesions (PCR followed by nested PCR) and from isolated bacteria. We have concluded that the multi-step approach, including histopathological characterization, bacterial isolation and AFB identification, is strongly recommended to diagnose tuberculosis in bovines. Furthermore, PCR assays using specimens of lesions suggestive of tuberculosis are a faster and more promising way to diagnose the disease. However, it should not be used alone due to the low sensitivity shown in this study.

Brucellosis Prevalence in Brazilian Slaughterhouses with Different Meat Inspection Systems

In Brazil, meat inspection occurs in a decentralized manner and consists of three types: (i) federal inspection (SIF), (ii) state inspection (SISP), and (iii) municipal inspection (SIM). The objective of this work was to discuss the three current inspection systems through the apparent prevalence of bovine brucellosis, a zoonosis that has an eradication program implemented by the Brazilian government. Nine abattoirs from federal, state, and municipal inspection systems were assessed and 1,490 animals were sampled. Serology for brucellosis was determined by the rose bengal test and the complement fixation test. The overall apparent prevalence (and 95% confidence interval) of brucellosis was 2.2% (1.5 to 2.9%). Apparent prevalence stratified by inspection system for SIF, SISP, and SIM was 0.4% (0.0 to 0.9%), 2.0% (0.8 to 3.2%), and 4.3% (2.5 to 6.1%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the odds ratio for finding an animal positive for brucellosis among inspection systems. A statistical difference ( P < 0.0015) was observed among surveillance systems, with SISP × SIF, SIM × SISP, and SIM × SIF having an odds ratio of 4,996, 2,304, and 11,494, respectively. Hence, the need for increasing official surveillance in state and municipal inspection systems seems to be necessary and could assist in the surveillance of bovine brucellosis and other diseases of interest to the federation. In addition, an increase in official presence would help to improve the selection of slaughtered cattle during ante- and postmortem inspection, with consequent impact on food safety and public health.

ATP-Bioluminescence and Conventional Microbiology for Hygiene Evaluation of Cutting Room Surfaces in Poultry Slaughterhouse

Background: The hygiene procedures in poultry slaughterhouses consist in the use of hot water, detergent and sanitizing, configuring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP). These actions control contamination in food processing environments, especially by pathogenic microorganisms, which cause diseases with impact on public health and economic losses. The microbiological control of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are used as indica­tors of contamination. The hygienic-sanitary conditions on the surfaces of the poultry slaughterhouse cuttting room were evaluated, before and after cleaning and sanitizing procedures.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Conventional microbiology (Rodac plates and sponge for quantification of aerobic me­sophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and ATP-Bioluminescence were used to analyze the action of hot water and the active principles peracetic acid, quaternary ammonia and biguanide in the standard pre-operational hygiene procedure in the cutting room of the poultry slaughterhouse under Federal Inspection with slaughter capacity of more than 20.000 birds/h. The evaluations were performed on three lines of chicken thigh cuts at the same time and in a completely randomized manner on stainless steel surfaces, polyurethane belts and polyethylene boards. Samples were made in four replicates at the three surface totaling 108 assay for each microorganism. The samples were collected at the end of the cut­ting process, before and after washing the surfaces with hot water (between 45 and 50ºC) and after sanitization with 0.5% peracetic acid, 2% quaternary ammonia and 1% biguanide. The ATP-Bioluminescence method detected organic matter at all collected points and Rodac plates allowed a better recovery of microorganisms than sponges for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, E. coli and S. aureus. There was a reduction of contamination after the action of hot water and, after using quaternary ammonia and peracetic acid, there was no isolation of E. coli and S. aureus on all evaluated surfaces.Discussion: The use of different methods of analysis for monitoring the hygiene and sanitary status of contact surfaces with chicken cuts allows greater flexibility in relation to hygiene control. The use of the bioluminescent ATP detection method allows detecting in seconds extremely low levels of contamination, allowing a quick determination of the cleaning efficiency on the surfaces and evaluation of the hygiene programs. Conventional microbiology methods, on the other hand, provide indicators of contamination by different microorganisms on food contact surfaces. Both are applicable in SSOP monitor­ing programs and sanitary conditions of the contact surfaces in food producing establishments. The significant reduction of microorganisms on surfaces after cleaning, found in this study, demonstrates the importance of operational hygiene in the maintenance of microbial contamination below the recommended limits, and to reconcile the ATP-Bioluminescence methodologies and Rodac plates can bring benefits to the control of this contamination, and the use of ATP-bioluminescence makes possible taking immediate corrective measures after the evaluation of sanitation procedures.Keywords: ATP-Bioluminescence, Rodac plates, Escherichia coli, mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus.

Spores of Paenibacillus larvae, Ascosphaera apis, Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis in bee products supervised by the Brazilian Federal Inspection Service

Due to their ecological and economic importance, honey bees have attracted much scientific attention, which has intensified due to the recent population decline of these insects in the several parts of the world. Among the factors related to these patterns, infection by pathogens are the most relevant, mainly because of the easy dissemination of these microorganisms. Although no zoonotic diseases are associated with these insects, the presence of infectious agents in bee products should still be considered because they play a role as disease dispersers, increasing the risk to animal health. Because of the possibility of dispersion of pathogens via bee products, this work aimed to identify the presence of spores of the pathogens Paenibacillus larvae, Ascosphaera apis and Nosema spp. in samples of honey, pollen and royal jelly that are registered with Brazil's Federal Inspection Service (S.I.F.) and commercially available in the state of São Paulo. Of the 41 samples of bee products analyzed, only one showed no contamination by any of these pathogens. N. ceranae and P. larvae had the highest prevalence considering all the samples analyzed (present in 87.80% and 85.37% of the total, respectively), with N. apis present in 26.83% and A. apis present in 73.17% of the samples. These results provide support for the formulation of government regulations for sanitary control of exotic diseases by preventing dispersion of pathogens, including through illegal importation, since local and international trade and the transfer of colonies between regions play important roles in the dispersion of these microorganisms.

ATP-Bioluminescence and Conventional Microbiology for Hygiene Evaluation of Cutting Room Surfaces in Poultry Slaughterhouse.

Background: The hygiene procedures in poultry slaughterhouses consist in the use of hot water, detergent and sanitizing, configuring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP). These actions control contamination in food processing environments, especially by pathogenic microorganisms, which cause diseases with impact on public health and economic losses. The microbiological control of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are used as indicators of contamination. The hygienic-sanitary conditions on the surfaces of the poultry slaughterhouse cuttting room were evaluated, before and after cleaning and sanitizing procedures.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Conventional microbiology (Rodac plates and sponge for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and ATP-Bioluminescence were used to analyze the action of hot water and the active principles peracetic acid, quaternary ammonia and biguanide in the standard pre-operational hygiene procedure in the cutting room of the poultry slaughterhouse under Federal Inspection with slaughter capacity of more than 20.000 birds/h. The evaluations were performed on three lines of chicken thigh cuts at the same time and in a completely randomized manner on stainless steel surfaces, polyurethane belts and polyethylene boards. Samples were made in four replicates at the three surface totaling 108 assay for each microorganism. The samples were collected at the end of the cuttingprocess, before and after washing the surfaces with hot water (between 45 and 50ºC) and after sanitization with 0.5% peracetic acid, 2% quaternary ammonia and 1% biguanide. The ATP-Bioluminescence method detected organic matter at all collected points and Rodac plates allowed a better recovery of microorganisms than sponges for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, E. coli and S. aureus. There was a reduction of contamination after the action of hot water and, after using quaternary ammonia and peracetic acid, there was no isolation of E. coli and S. aureus on all evaluated surfaces.Discussion: The use of different methods of analysis for monitoring the hygiene and sanitary status of contact surfaces with chicken cuts allows greater flexibility in relation to hygiene control. The use of the bioluminescent ATP detection method allows detecting in seconds extremely low levels of contamination, allowing a quick determination of the cleaning efficiency on the surfaces and evaluation of the hygiene programs. Conventional microbiology methods, on the other hand, provideindicators of contamination by different microorganisms on food contact surfaces. Both are applicable in SSOP monitoring programs and sanitary conditions of the contact surfaces in food producing establishments. The significant reduction of microorganisms on surfaces after cleaning, found in this study, demonstrates the importance of operational hygiene inthe maintenance of microbial contamination below the recommended limits, and to reconcile the ATP-Bioluminescence methodologies and Rodac plates can bring benefits to the control of this contamination, and the use of ATP-bioluminescence makes possible taking immediate corrective measures after the evaluation of sanitation procedures.Keywords: ATP-Bioluminescence, Rodac plates, Escherichia coli, mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus.

Predicting Pork Quality Measures at the 10th Rib Using Measurements Collected from Various Locations on the Boneless Loin

ObjectivesMany U.S. pork export markets demand high quality pork with darker color and higher marbling content than domestic markets. Although, the U.S pork industry does not have a quality grade program through the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service, application of voluntary quality grade standards may result in financial benefits to the pork industry as well as enhanced eating experiences for consumers. This study analyzed quality measurements collected at locations along the surfaces of boneless pork loins to determine the relationship between these measures and traditional pork quality measures collected at the 10th rib.Materials and MethodsMarket hogs (n = 83) from 2 genetic lines and 2 sexes were slaughtered at 113.4, 136.1, and 158.8 kg endpoints. One genetic line was selected for increased lean yield, while the other was selected for meat quality attributes. Seven litters from each line with at least 6 pigs (3 barrows and 3 gilts) were used in the study. When the pigs reached their preassigned endpoint, they were transported to the University of Georgia Meat Science and Technology Center and slaughtered under federal inspection. Following a 24-hr chill period, carcasses were ribbed between the 10th and 11th ribs, bloomed for 20 min and the following pork quality attributes were measured on 10th rib surface: Hunter L*, a*, b* (D65); Minolta L*, a*, b* (D65); and NPPC color and marbling score. Carcasses were then fabricated and the boneless loin (IMPS# 413C, trimmed to 0.64 cm of fat) was weighed. The loin was allowed to bloom, ventral side up, for at least 20 min before collection of the previously listed loin quality attributes collected at the following 5 locations anterior to posterior: blade-end and sirloin-end (cross-section), and at approximately the 7th/8th rib, 12th/13th rib, and first/second lumbar regions on the ventral surface of the loin.ResultsThese locations were evaluated since they would allow assessment of quality attributes without devaluing the loin. Pearson correlations were calculated between 10th rib color and marbling scores and all other loin measures and Max R2 regression was used to determine the best variables to predict 10th rib color and marbling scores (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Sirloin end marbling score had the strongest correlation with 10th rib marbling score (r = 0.78; P < 0.01), followed closely by the 7th/8th rib location on the ventral surface (r = 0.77; P < 0.01). Instrumental L* values were more highly correlated to 10th rib color than subjective color scores. For regression, subjective measures collected on the ventral surface of the loin were better predictors of 10th rib marbling score (R2 = 0.61) than 10th rib color score (R2 = 0.30), with marbling score and color score collected at the 7th/8th rib region being the most valuable predictor. Inclusion of all subjective measures slightly increased the prediction accuracy for 10th rib marbling score (R2 = 0.71) and 10th rib color score (R2 = 0.35). In contrast, instrumental measures were better predictors of 10th rib color (R2 > 0.41) than 10th rib marbling score (R2 < 0.29).ConclusionThese results suggest that the U.S. pork industry could use measures on the intact loin to predict 10th rib color and marbling scores, providing the potential to sort loins into quality-based grades.

Zoonosis found in sheep slaughtered in federal inspection fridge in São Paulo state from 2005 to 2015

Zoonosis found in sheep slaughtered in federal inspection fridge in São Paulo state from 2005 to 2015

Listeria monocytogenes contamination in industrial sausages

Listeria monocytogenes is the pathogen responsible for listeriosis foodborne outbreaks, which is a serious disease for animals and humans, mainly elderly, children and pregnant women. Listeriosis can progress to encephalitis, meningitis and septicemia, and cause miscarriage, foetal death or neonatal infection. The aim of the current study was to estimate the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in sausages produced by Brazilian companies registered at the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) and discuss issues related to possible contamination. Samples were collected by the official service from companies throughout Brazil. Analyses were performed in official laboratories of the National Agricultural Laboratories Network (LANAGRO), accredited by ISO 17025. During the study period, 98 samples of sausages were analyzed and L. monocytogenes was detected in 8.16% of the samples (8/98). Six sausage companies were found positive for L. monocytogenes, where cross-contamination occurred after heat treatment and prior to product packaging, favouring the presence of this pathogen. Given that sausage is a cooked meat product that may or may not be heated prior to consumption, and is appreciated mainly by children, this, therefore, poses a risk to consumers. This result highlights that it is essential to intensify compliance with good manufacturing practices and to adopt risk mitigation measures to avoid this pathogen.

Difficulties in diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in suggestive lesions on post-mortem inspection in carcasses

The bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with importance to the public health. The post mortem identification and its fast and accurate diagnosis combined with the epidemiology knowledge are essential to fight against the advance of this disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis, by molecular detection and also by histopathologic lesion characterization and identification of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), seeking to compare them. During slaughter of cattle in slaughter plants, under Federal Inspection Service in Sao Paulo State, were collected and identified, in duplicate, tissue samples with suggestive lesions of tuberculosis. One of the samples was intended for histopathology, being performed the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining for lesion characterization and the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining to identification the AFB. The other sample was separated to the molecular diagnosis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and nested PCR. The bacterial DNA present in the lesion was extracted and the PCR was performed, showing 20.84% (10/48) of positive samples. However, when the results were compared with more sensitive tests (nested PCR) and cheapest ones (histopathologycal characterization of lesions and the AFB identification), different results were found. When performing nested PCR in negative samples by conventional PCR (38/48), it was found more 18.74% (9/38) of positive samples resulting in 39.58% (19/48) of positive samples by molecular diagnosis from tissue lesions. However, histopathological characterization by hematoxylin-eosin resulted in 66.67% (32/48) of positive samples and the identification of AFB by Ziehl-Neelsen, 54.17% (26/48) of positive samples for bovine tuberculosis. The molecular tissue diagnosis from lesions is possible, but it should not be the only method used for bovine tuberculosis diagnosis.

Ocurrence of Campylobacter spp. in chilled chicken carcasses slaughtered in the west region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Background: The thermophilic bacteria of the genus Campylobacter are important agents of alimentary gastroenteritis, called campylobacteriosis. These microorganisms multiply in temperatures ranging from 25ºC to 46ºC, however, low temperatures are incompatible with their multiplication. For this reason, the seasons of the year may interfere with the level of contamination by Campylobacter sp. The main sources of transmission are contaminated meat and giblets from poultry during poorly conducted slaughter operations. The disease may present itself with a different range of forms of disease: from mild signs of gastrointestinal infection to more severe cases, such as the Guillain-Barré syndrome.Material, Methods &amp; Results: Due to the great importance of western Santa Catarina to the poultry industry, it was necessary to verify the occurrence of the pathogen in cold carcasses of broilers slaughtered in this region, and its variation through the seasons of the year. From January 2013 to February 2015 broiler carcasses were collected weekly, after the water cooling process, in slaughterhouses under Federal Inspection of the three largest microregions of western Santa Catarina in terms of number of broilers slaughtered, totaling 808 samples. The assessment of thermophilic Campylobacter was performed according to the methodology recommended by ISO 10272-1: 2006. Of the 808 samples analyzed, the frequency of isolation of thermophilic Campylobacter was 1.82% (8/440) in microregion 1, 4.95% (10/202) in microregion 2 and 13.86% (23/166) in the microregion 3, totaling 5.07% of positive samples (41/808). Comparing the microregions, it was verified that there was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between the isolation frequencies of microregions 1 and 2. However, there was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) between the isolation rates of Microregion 3 in relation to microregions 1 and 2. Microregion 1 presented the lowest percentage of Campylobacter thermophilic isolates.Discussion: Although the rates found are lower than expected when compared to those already published, consumption of these products may provide risks to consumers, mainly through cross-contamination of foods that will be consumed raw, requiring greater controls in the entire poultry industry in order to ensure a safe product for the consumer. Analyzing each season of the year individually (winter and summer), 5.88% (14/238) of the samples processed during summer (October to March) were positive for the assessed microorganism and in 4,74% (27/570) of the samples analyzed in the winter (April to September), the presence of thermophilic Campylobacter was detected. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between the seasons. However, it is evident the need for a longer study to evaluate the actual influence of the seasons (winter and summer) on the isolation rate of thermophilic Campylobacter in broiler carcasses shortly after the cooling process. Even though the study demonstrated low levels of thermophilic Campylobacter isolation rates in the evaluated regions, just the fact of isolating the agent already shows that there is an imminent risk to consumers, mainly due to cross-contamination of foods that will be consumed raw; therefore, higher standards of microbiological controls should be practiced in the production chain and slaughter of poultry, respecting good manufacturing practices, hygiene and handling practices within the industry.

A COMPETITIVIDADE DA AGROINDÚSTRIA DE LATICÍNIOS: UMA INVESTIGAÇÃO NO ESTADO DO PARÁ

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as estratégias competitivas, utilizadas pelas empresas de laticínios do Estado do Pará. A pesquisa, classificada como exploratória e descritiva, foi realizada na forma de censo e teve como universo as empresas fiscalizadas pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF/MAPA) e Estadual (SIE/ADEPARÁ). Ao final da pesquisa, foram realizadas 30 entrevistas, com empresas que aceitaram responder ao questionário. A interpretação dos resultados utilizou indicadores, construídos por técnicas matemáticas e estatísticas, entre eles, o Índice de Desempenho Competitivo (IDC), que possibilitou ranquear as empresas e indicou que apenas 6,7% delas apresentavam alta competitividade, e a análise fatorial, que explicou 80,46% da variância em quatro fatores denominados como Estrutura de Produção (37,97%), Gestão Empresarial (15,89%), Ambiente Locacional (14,89%) e Desempenho Competitivo (11,89%). As conclusões revelaram que as empresas ganharam competitividade nos últimos anos, tendo por base a busca por maiores volumes de produção, economia de escala e participações de mercado, estratégias alinhadas ao mercado de commodities e aos modelos de competitividade estruturalistas. Contudo a manutenção desse processo demanda ações conjuntas da cadeia de produção e da implementação de políticas públicas, destinadas, principalmente, às empresas de menor porte e de fiscalização estadual.