Routine Meat Inspection Research Articles

Sarcocystis spp. – an underestimated parasite with zoonotic potential associated with food of animal origin

The protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis are worldwide distributed parasites affecting a wide range of animals. They life cycle requires two hosts: definitive and intermediate. Over 250 species of Sarcocystis have been described but three of them are known to have a zoonotic potential. These are: S. hominis, S. heydorni and S. suihominis. Domestig pigs and wild boars can be intermediate hosts for S. suihominis, wheras cattle for S. hominis and S. heydorni. Therefore, people can become infected after eating raw or insufficiently heat-treated pork, wild boar meat or beef. Human sarcocystosis is generally asymptomatic but in some cases can induce the syptoms of intestinal illness. People can also become accidental intermediate hosts after ingesting sporocysts from feces-contaminated food or water leading to muscular sarcocystosis. The cysts of Sarcocystis spp. (sarcocysts), which with some exceptions, are not visible and therefore they are rarely detected during routine veterinary meat inspection consisting of visual assessment of muscle tissue and digestion (in case of examination of pig and wild boar meat). The presence of visible cysts of Sarcocystis spp. can lead to meat condemnation and it generates economic losses for farmers. Food safety regulations require the control of the parasites presence in meat intended for human consumption but there are no regulations regarding the control of Sarcocystis spp. Nevertheless, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) encourage to monitor and characterise Sarcocystis ssp. in animal and foodstuffs.

Mycobacteriosis in slaughter pigs from South Africa from 1991 to 2002: Mycobacterium spp. diversity and Mycobacterium avium complex genotypes.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteria are the most prominent etiological agents of lymphadenitis in pigs. M. avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) is a member of MAC and has been reported in many parts of the world to be the most prevalent non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to cause mycobacteriosis in humans, mainly in children. Thus, the economic and zoonotic impact of MAC species are increasingly being recognized. In South Africa, little is known about the distribution of NTM and the molecular epidemiology of M. avium in pigs. In this study, lymph nodes including mandibular, mesenteric, submandibular, and retropharyngeal, with tuberculosis-like lesions were collected during routine meat inspection of slaughter pigs with no disease symptoms (n = 132), between 1991 and 2002. These pigs were slaughtered at 44 abattoirs distributed across seven of the nine South African provinces. Mycobacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing of the Mycobacterium specific 577 bp 16S rRNA gene fragment were performed for species and subspecies identification. The majority of the isolates (each per sample); 114 (86.4%) were identified as MAH, 8 (6%) as MAA/M. avium subsp. silvaticum, 4 (3%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 2 (1.5%) as Mycobacterium intracellulare, and 1 (0.75%) as Mycobacterium bovis. The other isolates were identified as Mycobacterium lentiflavum (0.75%), Mycobacterium novocastrense (0.75%), and a Micrococcus spp. (0.75%). Using an eight-marker MLVA typing tool, we deciphered at least nine MIRU VNTR INMV types of MAH and MAA. Identification of known zoonotic mycobacteria, including MAH, MAA, M. intracellulare, M. bovis, and M. tuberculosis, from slaughter pigs has a potential public health impact and also strengthens recognition of the potential economic impact of MAC. This study has also for the first time in South Africa, revealed MAC MIRU VNTR INMV genotypes which will aid in the future epidemiological investigation of MAC in South Africa.

Reliability of Veterinarians routine Cattle meat inspection tool on Specific identification of Cysticerci in bovine muscle tissue

Cysticercus bovis and macroscopic Sarocysts detected from bovine meat look similar and specific identification of each of these cysts is important for addressing proper preventive, and control measures of tCysticercosis and Sarcocystosis diseases.Therefore, it is sometimes a challenge for Vets to distinguish these two species of parasites during their daily routine meat inspection using traditional methods. Cysticerci and Sarcocysts are responsible of Bovine Cysticercosis and Cattle Sarcocystosis respectively. These Veterinarians can sometimes make errors in identification of these two parasitic species from Cattle meat muscle tissues. The study was conducted from Abattoir in Russian Federation with intention of the problem addressed confirmation. During laboratory experimental examination, it was confirmed that out of 20 cattle muscles tissues sampled from 20 infected bovines reported to contain cysticerci parasites, 5 out of them were Sarcocysts. Therefore, it is obvious for veterinarians to make errors during their routine cattle meat inspection due to the morphological behaviour of these organisms.

Immunohistochemical characterization of clear cell variant of hepatocellular carcinoma in a sheep

The cadaver and viscera of a mature female sheep (Ovis aries) underwent routine abattoir meat inspection. The liver was expanded by an infiltrative neoplastic mass comprising multifocal to coalescing, well-demarcated, pink to white–yellow nodules, up to 25 mm in diameter. An unencapsulated, moderately densely cellular, infiltrative neoplasm was present within the hepatic parenchyma. The neoplastic cells were arranged in solid sheets and acini supported by a moderately fine collagenous vascularized stroma. The neoplastic cells were moderately sized and polygonal, with clearly delineated cell borders and a moderate amount of cytoplasm that was clear or exhibited either globular eosinophilic deposits or fine fibrillar eosinophilic strands. The neoplastic cell nuclei were round and centrally located. The chromatin was lightly stippled and there was frequently a single, prominent, basophilic nucleolus. There were eight mitoses in 10 high-power fields (2.37 mm2). Most of the neoplastic cells had intense cytoplasmic immunolabelling for arginase 1, with frequent concurrent nuclear positivity, and mild to moderately intense punctate cytoplasmic labelling for hepatocyte specific antigen (Hep Par-1). The neoplastic cells did not label with anti-cytokeratin 19 antibody. Based on the histological appearance and the immunolabelling pattern, the neoplasm was diagnosed as the clear cell variant of a hepatocellular carcinoma.

Value of simplified lung lesions scoring systems to inform future codes for routine meat inspection in pigs

BackgroundAcross the European Union (EU), efforts are being made to achieve modernisation and harmonisation of meat inspection (MI) code systems. Lung lesions were prioritised as important animal based measures at slaughter, but existing standardized protocols are difficult to implement for routine MI. This study aimed to compare the informative value and feasibility of simplified lung lesion scoring systems to inform future codes for routine post mortem MI.ResultsData on lung lesions in finisher pigs were collected at slaughter targeting 83 Irish pig farms, with 201 batches assessed, comprising 31,655 pairs of lungs. Lungs were scored for cranioventral pulmonary consolidations (CVPC) and pleurisy lesions using detailed scoring systems, which were considered the gold standard. Using the data collected, scenarios for possible simplified scoring systems to record CVPC (n = 4) and pleurisy (n = 4) lesions were defined. The measurable outcomes were the prevalence and (if possible) severity scoring at batch level for CVPC and pleurisy. An arbitrary threshold was set to the upper quartile (i.e., the top 25% of batches with high prevalence/severity of CVPC or pleurisy, n = 50). Each pair of measurable outcomes was compared by calculating Spearman rank correlations and assessing if batches above the threshold for one measurable outcome were also above it for their pairwise comparison. All scenarios showed perfect agreement (k = 1) when compared among themselves and the gold standard for the prevalence of CVPC. The agreement among severity outcomes and the gold standard showed moderate to perfect agreement (k = [0.66, 1]). The changes in ranking were negligible for all measurable outcomes of pleurisy for scenarios 1, 2 and 3 when compared with the gold standard (rs ≥ 0.98), but these changes amounted to 50% for scenario 4.ConclusionsThe best simplified CVPC scoring system is to simply count the number of lung lobes affected excluding the intermediate lobe, which provides the best trade-off between value of information and feasibility, by incorporating information on CVPC prevalence and severity. While for pleurisy evaluation, scenario 3 is recommended. This simplified scoring system provides information on the prevalence of cranial and moderate and severe dorsocaudal pleurisy. Further validation of the scoring systems at slaughter and by private veterinarians and farmers is needed.

Prevalence, Organ Distribution, and Economic Importance of Bovine Hydatidosis in Gimbichu Municipal Abattoir, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to July 2020 at Gimbichu municipal abattoir with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis, Organ distribution of hydatid cysts, and assessing the economic impact of the disease. Ante-mortem and postmortem examinations were performed to detect hydatid cysts. Out of 400 randomly selected cattle slaughtered at the abattoir, the prevalence of hydatidosis was found to be 83 (20.75%). The abattoir survey showed that the hydatid cyst was highest in old aged cattle (41.9%) followed by adult (17%) and young (16.5%). The analysis result showed that the hydatidosis was high in females (38%) compare with male (18.2%). Poor body condition scores were associated with higher prevalence. The lung (45.8%) and liver (40.46%) were the most commonly affected organs. The study revealed that infected organs were often contaminated with hydatid cysts from multiple sites. The findings were consistent with similar studies conducted in other regions of Ethiopia and neighboring countries. Factors such as backyard slaughtering, improper disposal of infected organs, and the presence of stray dogs contributed to the high prevalence. Recommendations include implementing strict routine meat inspection, proper disposal of infected organs, raising public awareness about the disease cycle, and treating owned dogs while avoiding contact with stray dogs. These measures are crucial to break the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus and to reduce the prevalence and economic impact of bovine hydatidosis in the study area.

Quantitative risk assessment for human Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis exposure through consumption of pork in Mpwapwa District of Dodoma Region, Tanzania.

Pig farming is a livelihood activity undertaken by many rural communities in Tanzania. However, pigs in rural communities become infected with Taenia solium, a zoonotic parasite leading to porcine cysticercosis (PCC). Thus, routine meat inspection is fundamental in ensuring that the meat consumed is PCC-free. However, routine meat inspection is constrained by low sensitivity as a diagnostic test. Regardless of its low sensitivity, at the local level, no substitute tool would potentially lead to meat being risk-free for human infection. This study aimed at quantifying the risk of humans getting exposed to T. solium taeniasis through the consumption of pork approved safe for human consumption by employing a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model. A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative risk assessment technique was conducted to quantify the risk of human infection in Mpwapwa District through exposure to T. solium infection through consumption of officially inspected pork. The input parameters in this study were simulated in @risk software to obtain the risk of exposure and the risk factors for exposure to T. solium taeniasis. The risk of one getting exposed to T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) through consumption of pork approved for human consumption was found to be 0.018 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.00-0.0250). Likewise, the probability that a cyst is localized in a pork portion was found to be the most influencing input risk factor of getting exposed to TSTC. Furthermore, the probability of developing T. solium taeniasis was estimated to be 0.73605 (95% CI = 0-0.950) when infected undercooked pork portion is consumed and 0.99652 (95% CI = 0.98161-0.99908) from consuming raw pork portion. Likewise, about 47 (95% CI = 42-52) people who consumed undercooked pork and 26 (95% CI = 22-30) who consumed raw pork would get infected in Mpwapwa District per year. The results from this study are anticipated to create public awareness of the problem and promote the use of one-health approach in the control and prevention of the consumption of infected pork.

Direct detection of Mycobacterium bovis by a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in cattle samples collected during routine abattoir examination in Malawi.

The lack of quick, accurate, and low-cost detection methods has hindered the active control strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in resource-limited countries with a high burden of disease. We developed a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium bovis, the principal causative agent of bTB, and evaluated the efficacy of the assay using suspected bTB samples collected during routine meat inspection at major regional abattoirs in Malawi. Template genomic DNA was extracted directly from the granulomatous bTB-like lesion (crude extracted DNA), as well as growth from the incubated mycobacterial growth indicator tubes (MGIT). Field results were visualized by the naked eye within 40 min following a color change of the amplified products. The sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay while using 152 DNA samples extracted from MGIT with confirmed M. bovis results were 98% and 88%, respectively. When 43 randomly selected crude DNA samples from lesions were used, the sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay were 100% and 75%, respectively. Our LAMP assay offers the potential to meet the demands for a low-cost and rapid field detection tool for bTB in resource-limited countries in which bTB is endemic.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cysticercosis bovis in Bishoftu Municipal Abattoir, Central Ethiopia.

Cysticercus bovis has zoonotic implications with economic losses from organ contamination and treatment costs. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, where hygienic standards are low and residents customarily eat raw or undercooked meat, the disease is prevalent. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to June 2022 to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at the Bishoftu municipal abattoir, in central Ethiopia. Study populations for the active abattoir survey were cattle presented to the abattoir for slaughtering and routine meat inspection conditions. The organ namely the tongue, masseter muscle, liver, and triceps muscle were inspected for the presence of C. bovis. From a total of 330 cattle, 14 were found to be positive for C. bovis, with an overall prevalence of 4.24%. Based on the origin of the animals, the highest prevalence was recorded at Adama (7.27%), followed by Bishoftu (5.45%), Mojo (5.45%), Borana (3.63%), Dukem (3.63%), and Kaliti (0.00%). Similarly, out of 111 adults and 219 old-aged cattle slaughtered and examined at the abattoir, 4.5%, and 4.11% were positive for C. bovis, respectively. Among tested independent variables, sex, body condition score, age, and origin of animals had no relationships with the prevalence of C. bovis. From the detected organ, the tongue ranks first for the highest number of cysts, followed by the masseter muscle, liver, and triceps muscle, with total cysts of 6, 4, 3, and 1, respectively. C. bovis is a prevalent zoonotic parasite disease that causes carcass condemnation; an enhanced understanding of the health consequences of teniasis is required to protect the community.

Molecular diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis on postmortem carcasses during routine meat inspection in Benin: GeneXpert® testing to improve diagnostic scheme.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease of major public health importance, particularly in African countries, where control measures are limited or largely not applied. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the currently used bovine TB diagnostic method at slaughterhouses in Benin; this is to contribute to the betterment and improvement in the epidemiological surveillance of the disease in the country. A total of 40 tissue samples were collected from meat/viscera (lung, liver, heart, kidney, and the gastro-intestinal tract tissues) at Cotonou slaughterhouses from ruminants suspected to be infected with bovine TB during routine meat inspection. The collected samples were analyzed using GeneXpert testing technique as a reference method. Twenty-six samples tested positive out of the 40 suspected tissue samples collected by GeneXpert diagnostic technique; this shows the limitation of the routine meat inspection in detecting bovine TB as currently performed in Benin. The outcome of the use of the molecular technique, therefore, supports the importance of the use of a molecular tool alongside the routine meat inspection for a better understanding of the epidemiology of bovine TB in Benin. However, more robust technical and policy efforts are needed for a sustainable implementation of such a strategy.

Comparison of mitochondrial genetic variation of Taenia hydatigena cysticerci from China and Mongolia.

Parasitic infection is one of the many challenges facing livestock production globally. Cysticercosis tenuicollis is a common parasitic disease in domestic and wild ruminants (intermediate host) caused by the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena that primarily infects dogs (definitive host). Although genetic studies on this parasite exist, only a few describe the genetic variation of this parasite in Mongolia. Our aim was thus, to identify the mitochondrial differences in ovine isolates of Cysticercus tenuicollis entering China from Mongolia and comparison with existing Chinese isolates from sheep and goats based on the recently described PCR-RFLP method and mitochondrial genes of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5). Sixty-nine isolates were collected during routine veterinary meat inspections from sheep that originated from Mongolia, at the modern slaughterhouses in Erenhot City, Inner Mongolia. Additional 114 cysticerci were also retrieved from sheep and goats from northern (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Gansu Province), western (Tibet Autonomous Region), and southern (Jiangxi Province and Guangxi Province) China. The PCR-RFLP approach of the nad5 showed nine mitochondrial subclusters A1, A2, A3, A5, A8, A9, A10, A11, and B of T. hydatigena isolates from sheep and goats from Mongolia and China. Meanwhile, haplogroup A1 RFLP profile was more widespread than other variants. These data supplements existing information on the molecular epidemiology of T. hydatigena in China and Mongolia and demonstrate the occurrence of similar genetic population structures in both countries.

Prevalence and Public Health importance of Bovine Cysticercosis in Haramaya Municipal Abattoir, East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

Aim This study was conducted by using the protocols of post-mortem examinations of meat (visual inspection) to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the cattle slaughtered at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia and to determine zoonotic significance of taeniasis. Method A cross-section study design was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021, based on routine meat inspection on simple randomly selected cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. Visual inspection of all exposed surface was made in all active organs. They are shoulder muscles, hearts, masseters (cheek muscle), diaphragms, tongues and livers. This is followed by incision of all those organs to be examined for Cysticercus bovis cysts. Results Twenty-one (21) of the 384 cattle examined utilizing the post-mortem examinations meat inspection methodology were positive for C. bovis, resulting in a prevalence of 5.5 %. The masseter muscle (11.5 %) had the highest prevalence of cysts, followed by the triceps (8.3%), heart (5.8%), liver (4.8 %), and tongue (2.9 %). The sex-based prevalence rates were 10 (3.4%) and 11 (12.1%), respectively. The predominance of bodily condition was found to be good (1.3%), medium (11.1%), and bad (50 %). The prevalence male and female e differed substantially by organ, sex, and bodily condition (p>0.05), but not statistically significant by age of the animals (young 2.8% vs. adult 6.1%) (p>0.05). Eight (20%) of the total 40 interviewees had contracted Taenia saginata infection at least once in their lives. Religion showed a significant difference (p>0.05) (Christian 66.7% and Muslim 6.5%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in meat consumption habits (raw 31.6% vs. cooked 9.5%), sex (male 26.5% vs. female 11.8%), age (young 33.3% vs. adult 17.7%), educational status (illiterate 22.2% vs. elementary 14.3% vs. high school 27.3% vs. college 16.7%) or latrine use (proper users 19.4% and non-proper users 25%). Conclusion This study to increasing public awareness of the disease, as well as strict routine meat inspections, should be prioritized in order to decrease the parasite's impact.

Taenia lynciscapreoli in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus, L.) in Sweden.

We report here Taenia lynciscapreoli metacestode from the lung lobe of a semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). The specimen was detected within a development project concerning remote post mortem inspection at a reindeer abattoir in Sweden. Post mortem inspection was performed according to a routine on-site official meat inspection protocol. The species identification to T. lynciscapreoli was confirmed based on the DNA extracted from the metacestode, which was analysed by sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Firstly, our finding shows that semi-domesticated reindeer in addition to several other cervids can act as an additional intermediate host for T. lynciscapreoli. Secondly, it further confirms that this parasite is more widely distributed on the Scandinavian peninsula than what has previously been shown. This is in line with a previous molecular finding of adult T. lynciscapreoli from the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Sweden and demonstrates that new intermediate host can be detected. Whether the present finding can be regarded as accidental or have created opportunities for an expansion throughout the northernmost Scandinavian Peninsula remains to be seen.

Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Jigjiga City Municipal Abattoir and Treatment Costs of Human Taeniasis

Combination of Cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted from Jan 2021 up to Jun 2021 in Jigjiga city Municipal abattoir and inventory of pharmaceutical drug shops, with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and treatment costs of human taeniasis. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for selecting the study animals, while the Sampling methodology was based on Active abattoir survey and Inventory of pharmaceutical drug shops. From the 520 animals examined at abattoir, the overall prevalence of cysticercus bovis was 2.69% (14/520) with 95% CI of (1.43, 4.29). There was no statistically significant difference in sex, age, body condition score and origin of the animal with the occurrence of C. bovis (P>0.05); From 14 infected cattle with cysticercus bovis, 7 (50%) of cysticercus bovis were in the triceps muscle, 5 (35.71%) in tongue, 1 (7.14%) in biceps muscle and 1 (7.14%) in masseter muscle. Descriptive statistics revealed that a total of 23,063 doses of taenicidal drugs concern a 4-year period (2017-2020) were used for the treatment of human taeniasis which worth 56,933 Ethiopian Birr in the town. Albendazole was employed at a rather high dose, followed by Mebendazole, Praziquantel, and Niclosomide, in that order. The most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of taeniasis were albendazole and mebendazole. The discovery highlights the importance of cysticercosis and taeniasis in terms of both economics and public health. To reduce the impact of this parasite, special focus should be paid to raising public awareness and conducting thorough routine meat inspections.

Lungworms (Metastrongylus spp.) demonstrated in domestic pigs with respiratory disease: was there a clinical relevance?

BackgroundAn outdoor pig herd was affected by severe respiratory disease in one out of three pastures. At necropsy, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida were detected in the lungs, as well as the lung worm Metastrongylus apri. The life cycle of Metastrongylus spp. includes earthworms as intermediate hosts, and since domestic pigs mainly are reared indoors, lungworm infections have not been diagnosed in domestic pigs in Sweden for decades, not even in pigs reared outdoors. Therefore, this disease outbreak was scrutinised from the view of validating the impact of Metastrongylus spp.ResultsAt the time of the disease outbreak, neither eggs of Metastrongylus spp., Trichuris suis nor Ascaris suum were detected in faeces of pigs aged ten weeks. In contrast, five-months-old pigs at the pasture with respiratory disease shed up to 3800 eggs per gram (Epg) of Ascaris suum and up to 1100 Epg of Trichuris suis, whereas eggs of these parasites were not demonstrated in healthy pigs aged six months at another pasture. Low numbers of eggs from Metastrongylus spp. (< 150 Epg) were seen in faecal samples from both these age categories. At slaughter, seven weeks later, ten normal weighted pigs in the preceding healthy batch were compared with ten normal weighted and five small pigs from the affected batch. Healing Mycoplasma-like pneumonic lesions were seen in all groups. All small pigs shed eggs of Ascaris suum in the faeces, compared to around 50% of the larger pigs. Metastrongylus spp. were demonstrated in 13 of the 25 pigs (52%), representing all groups included.ConclusionAs Metastrongylus spp. were demonstrated regardless of health status, and also in another healthy outdoor herd, the impact of Metastrongylus spp. on the outbreak of respiratory disease was depreciated. Instead, a possible association with a high burden of Ascaris suum was suggested to have preceded the severe outbreak with respiratory disease in the affected herd. Further, it was concluded that Metastrongylus spp. will escape detection at routine meat inspections made at slaughterhouses, and as they appeared to generally not induce clinical signs of respiratory disease Metastrongylus spp. may be more common in outdoor production than previously believed.

Hepatocellular adenoma in a goat: An incidental abattoir finding in Oman

In the present study, a hepatic mass measured 9×11×5 cm in the right hepatic lobe was detected incidentally in a less than two years old male Somali goat during routine meat inspection at the Central Muscat Municipality Slaughterhouse, Oman. Gross and microscopic examination revealed a hepatocellular adenoma, a rare finding in goats.

Pathological findings of bovine pancreatic lesions induced by Eurytrema pancreticum in Aceh cattle, Sumatra

Great losses of cattle and other ruminants due to Eurytrema pancreaticum have been recorded in Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to examine histological alterations after E. pancreaticum infection in cattle. This study analysed the pathological changes of pancreas in 153 cattle sampled randomly at slaughterhouses in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Samples were obtained during one year as part of routine meat inspection. The samples of cattle pancreas were obtained from slaughterhouse in Banda Aceh and examined for eurytrematosis. The number of infected pancreases was 64 out of 153 (41.8%). The pancreases indicated some alterations including macroscopic colour changes of the pancreatic capsular surface, followed by the production of mucus on the surface. Some adult flukes were found in the capsular surface of the pancreas together with fluke eggs. The dissected pancreases were prepared for histopathological study for each segment, and then observed under microscope. The implications of findings from histopathologic analyses of the pancreas are discussed.

Epidemiology and microscopic diagnosis of tuberculosis in pigs and small ruminants slaughtered at Bobo-Dioulasso abattoir, Burkina Faso.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic, infectious, chronic and contagious disease, caused by Mycobacterium bovis that mainly affects cattle. This pathology has a negative impact on animals and animal products trade. Unfortunately, in Burkina Faso where agriculture and livestock sectors represent around 80% of the socio-economic activities, the real situation of the disease is not well known especially in small ruminants and swine. Thus, our study focused on both the epidemiology and the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in small ruminants and pigs slaughtered at Bobo-Dioulasso abattoir. A prospective study was conducted between August 2017 and December 2017. Epidemiological data collection was performed during routine meat inspection; moreover, samples were taken and transported to the Bacteriology laboratory of Centre Muraz for microbiological analyses. This diagnosis consisted in search of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) using the hot Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Out of a total of 14 648 small ruminants and 2430 pigs slaughtered during the study period, 156 and 17 had lesions suggestive of bTB with prevalence of 1.07% and 0.7%, respectively. Females and those between 2 and 4 years old were mainly infected. The most affected organs were: lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes. Finally, microscopy revealed 43.35% (75/173) of positive cases for AFB. These results confirm the presence of bTB in small ruminants and pigs in Burkina Faso. Efforts must still be made in the fight against this zoonosis in order to limit its economic and public health impacts.

Incorporating animal forensics in routine meat inspection in the Philippines

Robust species identification of unprocessed and processed meat is essential to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Meat adulteration results from the wrong identification of animal sources, contamination of different meats during processing, or intentional meat substitution using those from other species and non-meat products of lower economic value. This review discusses the potential applications of DNA barcoding in routine meat inspections in the Philippines. Developing mini-barcode primer sets to enhance the utility of conventional techniques is critical in adopting DNA barcoding technology as a robust tool for routine inspections of meat sold commercially, including those intended for the halal meat industry. Increasing the ability of the Philippine National Meat Inspection Service to document the number, types, and scope of meat fraud is a step forward in finally using animal forensic science as a valuable component of its regulatory functions for the protection of the meat-consuming public.

Prevalence of Taenia saginata cysticerci in Addis Ababa Abattoir Enterprise, Ethiopia

An abattoir-based survey was conducted in Addis Ababa from December 2018 to April 2019 with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and the viability of Taenia saginata cysticerci. Routine meat inspection was performed on the study animals. Palpation followed by incision of the heart, tongue, triceps muscle, masseter muscle and diaphragm were made to detect the presence of T. saginata cysts. From the detected cysts, 41 were randomly selected and subjected to viability test. From the total 500 study animals, 14(2.8%) had varying number of T. saginata cysts. The highest proportion of T. saginata cyst was observed in the triceps muscle 6(42.8%), followed by heart 3(21.4%), tongue 2(14.3%) and masseter muscle 2(14.3%). There was no cyst observed in the liver or diaphragm. Of the total randomly selected 41 cysticerci, 20(48.8%) were found to be viable while the rest 21(51.2%) cysticerci were found to be non-viable. Sex, breed, age, and body condition of the study animals were found to have no significant association with the occurrence of cysticerci (P > 0.05). Even though routine meat inspection has low sensitivity and usually under-estimates the prevalence of the disease, bovine cysticercosis was found to be prevalent in the study area. Therefore, an appropriate control program involving enforcement of meat inspection, promoting public awareness and improving personal and environmental hygiene should be designed and implemented.