AN ABATTOIR SURVEY OF DISEASES OF FERAL GOATS

SUMMARY Caseous lymphadenitis was the most frequently encountered pathological condition in 3,720 feral goats examined during routine meat inspection procedures. Among 9 separate consignments of animals, the prevalence of infection averaged 7.4% (range 0.3% to 18.8%). The majority of lesions were seen in lymph nodes draining superficial body areas although many also occurred in internal nodes and organs. Corynebacterium ovis was isolated from 25 of 32 lesions submitted for bacteriological examination. Other conditions regularly encountered included pneumonia, cysticercosis, sarcosporidiosis and lice infestation, while myonecrosis, pleurisy, pericarditis, nephritis, hepatitis, cirrhosis and mite infestation were only occasionally found. A total of 171 serum samples were collected and tested against 17 antigens. Samples from 57.9% and 51.5% of goats showed positive serological reactions to the antigens for sarcosporidiosis and Q fever respectively.     

AN ABATTOIR SURVEY OF BULL GENITALIA

SUMMARY This paper describes a survey of 504 bull genitalia collected after slaughter at 3 Western Australian abattoirs over 18 months. Details of the gross pathology, histopathology, and microbiology of the genitalia, and physical dimensions of the testicles are presented. The major breeds represented were Hereford (30%), Shorthorn (16%), Friesian (14.3%), and Aberdeen Angus (13.9%). The mean age of 263 bulls (52.6%) was 4.4 years. The mean length and breadth of 469 paired testicles was 10.8 cm and 6.9 cm respectively.     

A SURVEY OF MYCOBACTERIOSIS OF FERAL PIGS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Seven hundred and fifty-one feral pigs from the subcoastal plains of the Northern Territory were examined. The sample population consisted of 52.4% females and 47.6% males. They ranged in age from newborn piglets to mature animals of over 72 months. Of the pigs examined 47.7% had macroscopic abscesses and of these 80.2% were probably caused by mycobacteria. Tissues from 193 pigs were examined bacteriologically and 93 strains of mycobacteria were isolated. These were typed as M. bovis (37 strains); M. avium serotype 2 (1); M. intracellulare serotypes 6 (2), 7 (3), 9 (1) and 18 (1); M. intracellulare double serotypes 6 + 12 (1), 8 + 12 (1) and 11 + 25 (1); M. intracellulare unclassified serotype (4); M. scrofulaceum serotype 41 (1); M. scrofulaceum unclassified serotype (7); M. gordonae (2); M. kansasii (1); M. simiae (2); M. szulgai (2); M. vaccae (1); and M. xenopi (2). Additionally, 3 strains were unidentifiable members of the M. avium-M. intracellulare-M. scrofulaceum (MAIS) complex, one strain was a Runyon's group IV and 4 strains were typed as members of the genus Rhodococcus. Five strains were non-viable on subculture and 10 did not conform to any currently recognised species of mycobacteria. Of the 93 strains, 3 were isolated from tissue that did not contain macroscopic lesions, viz. M. simiae, Runyon's group IV and an unidentifiable member of the MAIS complex. It was concluded that the feral pig is probably an end host for both M. bovis and atypical mycobacteria and not a significant source of infection for cattle. M. bovis is not a significant cause of mortality in feral pigs but mycobacterioses are a significant cause of morbidity. With increasing age, the proportion of pigs having lesions increased whereas the proportion of lesions from which mycobacteria could be isolated decreased.     

THE CONTAMINATION WITH SALMONELLA OF BOVINE LIVERS IN AN ABATTOIR

SUMMARY Fifty livers from normal slaughter cattle were examined for surface contamination by Salmonella immediately after evisceration and again after inspection. Salmonella were isolated from 32% at evisceration and from 82% after inspection. Numbers of Salmonella present were low at evisceration, and rose after inspection. In only one liver was the parenchyma infected. The sources of the Salmonella were probably the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and the mesenteric lymph nodes, both of which may show high prevalence of infection in cattle which have been held before slaughter. It was concluded that edible offal should be separated from the viscera at evisceration and inspected by personnel who are not involved with the alimentary tract.     

A STUDY OF THE NUMBER AND PHAGE PATTERNS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN AN ABATTOIR

Two hundred and forty-seven samples were taken from various areas within an abattoir and the levels of Staphylococcus aureus determined. Sixty-one phage patterns were found in the 141 samples containing coagulase-positive staphylococci. The incidence of coagulase positive staphylococci increased as processing progressed. Articles such as mesh gloves, hands and aprons which were either difficult to effectively clean or maintained at elevated temperatures harboured the greatest numbers of staphylococci. Over 50% of the positive samples contained multiple phage patterns of staphylococci.     

THE DETECTION OF ARTHRITIS IN PIGS IN AN ABATTOIR AND ITS PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE

The results of a study of the prevalence in each joint of arthritis in pigs as detected by meat inspectors is presented. A prevalence of arthritis in 1.07% of carcases was obtained, of which 0.28% were condemned totally and 0.79% condemned partially. With partial condemnations there was a bias to the left side in the hindquarters, and a significant bias to the hindquarter as compared with the forequarter. A consequence was that undetected arthritic lesions, especially in the forequarter and probably containing viable Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, are finding their way to the consumer.     

A PATHOLOGICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ABATTOIR SURVEY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACTS OF MERINO EWES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Macroscopic examination of 487 ewe reproductive tracts from 18 different sources was made at Perth abattoirs. Of these, 194 were examined microscopically and 217 bacteriologically. Observations were made during March to May, when ewes were not grazing oestrogenic pasture. Significant lesions in ovaries or oviducts were rare. Macroscopic cysts were found in the uterus or cervix of 159 ewes (32.7%). Microscopic lesions, including uterine or cervical cysts and squamous metaplasia or goblet cell hyperplasia of the epithelium, were observed in 76% of ewes studied. Bacteria were isolated from 59 ewes, the most common genera being Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Streptococcus and Bacillus. Escherichia coli and streptococci appeared to be the most commonly associated with endometritis. Presence of bacteria was closely associated with endometritis and with cysts in the cervix. Endometritis was observed microscopically in 48 ewes (24%) and was significantly associated with the presence of cysts in the uterus or cervix. These results suggest that there is a high incidence of clover disease lesions in West Australian ewes, and that under commercial conditions clover disease may cause functional damage to the cervix, allowing passage of bacteria and resulting in endometritis.     

TREATMENT OF DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA IN BUFFALOES

The surgical treatment of diaphragmatic hernia attempted on 19 lactating buffaloes is described. Thirteen cases recovered uneventfully, 1 recovered after developing brisket oedema and 5 died, 3 during surgery and 2 postoperatively. The desired depth of anaesthesia was achieved by the administration of 6% chloral hydrate followed by 5% thiopentone sodium. A postxiphoid approach and the use of a continuous lock stitch suture were preferred to repair the vent in the diaphragm. Pre- and post-operative use of hydrocortisones and fluids and sufficient tissue oxygenation by controlled positive pressure respiration are believed to be keys to the success of the treatment adopted.     

PLASMA CONSTITUENTS OF "DOWNER" SHEEP SLAUGHTERED AT AN ABATTOIR

SUMMARY Haematocrit values and plasma glucose, calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at slaughter from 105 sheep that were prostrate, comatose, and unable to stand (downer sheep) on arrival at a Queensland meat-works. These values were compared to published normal concentration ranges of these plasma constituents and to values from blood samples taken from 107 apparently normal animals at slaughter. Eleven per cent of the “downer” sheep were considered hypocalcaemic, 13% showed varying degrees of hypoglycaemia and 22% were considered hyperglycaemic.