Prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in cattle slaughtered at an Ohio abattoir.

Specimens of heart, diaphragm and, in 159 instances, esophagus were taken from 352 cattle slaughtered in an Ohio abattoir. The total weight of the material was 32 kg, and this was fed to 12 specific-pathogen-free cats to test for Toxoplasma infectivity. None of the 12 cats acquired Toxoplasma infection, as evidenced by their failure to excrete oocysts or to develop antibodies, and by failure to isolate Toxoplasma from their tissues by inoculation into mice. In further tests, a 650-g sample of beef from 77 of the 352 cattle was digested in 1% trypsin, then inoculated intraperitoneally into 40 mice. Toxoplasma was not isolated from the mice. Serums from 186 of the 352 cattle were inactivated at 60 C for 1 hour, then examined by the Sabin-Feldman (dye) test for antibodies to Toxoplasma. None had titers of more than 1:8. Of the 186 serums, 77 were also examined for antibodies in the indirect hemagglutination test. One had a titer of 1:64, which was considered nonspecific. Thus, evidence for Toxoplasma infection was not found in 352 cattle.     

Yersinia species infection of lambs and cull cows at an abattoir

The rectal contents of 330 cull cows and 66 lambs were sampled over the 1984-1985 killing season at a New Zealand freezing works for the presence of Yersinia species. Samples from the cows revealed one isolation of Y. pseudotuberculosis and one isolation of Y. intermedia. Samples from the lambs gave thirteen isolates of Y. enterocolitica, three of Y. inter-media, two of Y. pseudotuberculosis and one of Y. frederiksenii. Two of the isolates of Y. enterocolitica were shown to be serotype 0:3. Although no parallel studies were carried out on young cattle or adult sheep, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Yersinia infection primarily involves young animals. Thus there exists the potential for transmission of the above species of Yersinia from young animals to man which needs further detailed study.     

Isolation of Corynebacterium renale from slaughtered cattle at the Zaria abattoir in Nigeria.

Forty urinary bladders were collected from apparently healthy cattle slaughtered at the Zaria abattoir. Twenty-four (60%) were from male animals and 16 (40%) from females. Urine samples were obtained and cultured for Corynebacterium renale. Four (16.7%) of the samples from males and 1 (6.3%) from females were positive. The difference in infection between the sexes was statistically significant (P less than 0.001).     

Lymphoreticular lesions in beef cattle at an ontario abattoir

During the period April 1983 to March 1986, lymphoreticular lesions in cattle were surveyed at an Ontario abattoir. Postmortem examination of 171,157 cattle revealed macroscopic lesions in 696 animals (0.4%). The most frequent finding was abscessation of a single lymph node, a finding that was observed in 353 cases (50.7% of animals with lesions/0.2% of total slaughter). Actinobacillary granulomas were present in 252 lymph nodes (36.2%/0.1%). Other specific lesions included mycobacteriosis and mycotic or parasitic lymphadenitis. Cases of nonspecific chronic lymphadenitis or granulomas in lymph nodes, pigmentations, malformations, hyperplasia, and neoplasia were also seen. Abscesses were the most common splenic lesions. One animal had localized lymphangiectasia of the epicardium.     

Study on the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis and its economic significance in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir,Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, χ ² = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, χ ² = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, χ ² = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.     

Financial loss estimation,prevalence and characterization of hydatidosis of cattle slaughtered at Debre Markos Municipality abattoir,Ethiopia

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Prevalence study on bovine tuberculosis and molecular characterization of its causative agents in cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa municipal abattoir, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and characterize its causative agents. Postmortem examination, mycobacteriological culturing, region of difference-4 (RD4)-based PCR and spoligotyping were applied. The prevalence of BTB was 5 % on the basis of postmortem inspection alone but 1.2 % based on molecular confirmation. Factors including age, sex, and breed showed statistically significant association with BTB (p?<?0.05). Gross lesions were observed most frequently (68 %) in the lungs and lung-associated lymph nodes compared to other organs and lymph nodes. Of the 25 grossly suspicious TB lesions processed and cultured, only six (24 %) were culture-positive, yielding Mycobacterium bovis confirmed by RD4 deletion typing. Further characterization of the six M. bovis isolates at the strain level by using spoligotyping revealed that one did not belong to any previously known type, while the others belonged to types SB1176 (two), SB1477 (two), and SB0133 (one). The new strain was submitted to the international M. Bovis.org database for international code designation. The study confirms the considerable prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir and highlights the need for control of bovine tuberculosis in the country.     

Occurrence and financial loss assessment of cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir,Southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir was conducted from November 2009 to April 2010. Out of 546 cattle examined, 92 (16.85%) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in local (P < 0.05) than crossbred cattle. No significant variation was observed with regard to origin, sex, and body condition status of animals. Regarding organ distribution, infections of the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney were 57.78%, 35.46%, 8.75%, and 4.01%, respectively. Of the total 1,097 hydatid cysts counted, 952 (86.78%), 136 (12.4%), and eight (0.82%) were found to be small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out of 450 cysts assessed, 138 (30.67%) were fertile, 241 (53.56%) sterile, and 71 (15.78%) calcified. Of the 138 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 13 (9.42%) were viable while 125 (90.57%) were nonviable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir from offal condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 410,755.90 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 30,202.64 US; 1 US; 1 US = 13.60 ETB). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing socioeconomic situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious attention for prevention and control actions in Wolayita zone. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, creation of public awareness, and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.     

Bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Awassa municipal abattoir, Ethiopia: prevalence, cyst viability, distribution and its public health implication

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2005 to April 2006 on bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Awassa municipal abattoir with the objective of determining the prevalence of Taenia saginata cysticercosis, cyst viability, distribution and its public health implication. Questionnaire survey involving 120 respondents was also conducted on human taeniasis. A total of 400 carcasses were examined during the study period, of which 105 (26.25%) were infected with T. saginata metacestodes. From a total of 3200 samples inspected, 500 cysticerci were detected in 141 samples, of which 221 (44.2%) were alive. The anatomical distribution of cysticerci were 65 (29.2%) heart, 56 (25.3%) shoulder muscle, 59 (26.7%) masseter, 23 (10.4%) tongue, 12 (5.4%) diaphragm, three (1.4%) liver, two (0.9%) lung and one (0.5%) kidney samples. The prevalence varied significantly between local and crossbred animals (OR = 3.15, P < 0.05), but not varied between sex, age groups and origin of the animals. T. saginata taeniasis was a widespread public health problem in the town with an overall prevalence of 64.2% (77 of 120). The potential risk factors for disease contraction were raw meat consumption, religion and occupational risks. In conclusion, the study revealed high prevalence of T. saginata metacestodes throughout the edible organs together with existence of deep-rooted tradition of raw meat consumption. This may magnify the public health hazards of T. saginata in the study area. As a result, the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public health and further promote beef industry in the country.     

Major metacestodes in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Soddo Municipal abattoir,Southern Ethiopia: Prevalence,cyst viability,organ distribution and socioeconomic implications

A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence and socioeconomic importance of major metacestodes of cattle was conducted from November 2007 to April 2008 at Wolaita Soddo abattoir. Accordingly, of 415 randomly selected slaughtered cattle, 11.3% and 15.4% were infected with Cysticercus bovis and hydatid cysts, respectively. The anatomical distributions of these parasites include various organs. The major risk factors for cysticercosis prevalence were origin of the animals (P < 0.001, OR = 7.3) and breeds (P = 0.004, OR = 4.3), and hydatid cysts prevalence was significantly varied with different origins (P = 0.021, OR = 2.8). The viability of C. bovis was higher (28.3%) than that of hydatid cyst (1.7%). Of 79 interviewed respondents, 50.63% had acquired taeniasis and analysis of the risk factors showed association of religions (P = 0.003, OR = 24.4), occupation (P < 0.001, OR = 6.9), educational background (P = 0.035, OR = 2.7) and age (P < 0.001, OR = 3.9) of the respondents with taeniasis prevalence. Furthermore, the inventory of taeniasis drugs dose and treatment cost were estimated to be 335,772 adult doses and 93,310 USD. In conclusion, the findings of the present study imply the zoonotic and socioeconomic importance of the diseases, which need intervention.     

Frequency and consequence of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and lambs slaughtered at a Western Australian abattoir

A total of 8,711 sheep in 3 distinct age/sex groups were examined to determine for occurrence and extent of caseous lymphadenitis after slaughter at a major Western Australian abattoir. An adaptation of current mean inspection procedures to provide a numerical weighted evaluation according to number, site, and size of lesions was used to determine extent of involvement. Frequency in slaughter populations was estimated to be 3.4 +/- 0.6% for lambs, 41.8 +/- 3.9% for mixed-age rams, and 53.7 +/- 1.5% for adult ewes at 95% confidence intervals. The results confirmed that frequency increased with age, but also revealed increases in extent of involvement and occurrence of visceral lesions, particularly in association with lesions of the body. Nevertheless, lesions occurred more frequently in the body than in the viscera. However, the mean visceral involvement was greater than mean body involvement in all groups, and the ratio was found to be more or less constant. Visceral involvement was found to be more extensive in rams than in ewes. Difficulties associated with complexity of current inspection procedures were also recorded. The relevance of these findings to pathogenesis and postmortem disposition after slaughter is discussed. It is suggested that current postmortem inspection criteria should be reevaluated.     

Occurrences of thermophilic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> in cattle slaughtered at Morogoro municipal abattoir,Tanzania

An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cattle posing public health risk of contaminating carcasses with thermophilic Campylobacter. Butchers and meat shopkeepers were interviewed on source of slaughter cattle, method of animal and carcass transportation, carcass dressing, meat storage facilities, access to clean water and availability of food hygiene practices. Faecal samples were collected from 107 slaughter cattle and after slaughter; four different parts of dressed carcasses (i.e. from ham, neck, pelvis and thigh muscles) were also sampled. In addition 107 cattle meat samples for Campylobacter culture were collected in different meat shops. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological examination using Skirrows protocol. It was found that cattle slaughter, dressing and meat handling in meatshops was done under unhygienic condition. Thermophilic Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter cattle was 5.6% while contamination rate of dressed carcasses and cattle meat at shops was 9.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The majority of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated were C. jejuni (88.9%) while C. coli was isolated at 11.1%. Findings of this study suggest possibility of humans acquiring zoonotic Campylobacter infections from cattle meat particularly when meat preparation and processing is not done properly. More work is required to establish the magnitude of zoonotic enteric Campylobacteriosis in humans and epidemiological role of cattle and other animals in the study area.     

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.     

Gross and histopathological studies on pulmonary lesions of camel (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir,Ethiopia

This study was carried out with the aim of identifying types of gross and histopathological lesions in lungs of camels slaughtered between October 2009 and April 2010 at Addis Ababa abattoir enterprise, Ethiopia. All camels were originated from Borana and Kereyu areas. A total of 387 slaughtered camel lungs were inspected during the study period. Of which, one or more gross lesions were encountered on 300 lungs. Lesions were further subjected for detail gross and histopathological examinations. The occurrence of pulmonary lesions was 77.5%. The gross and histopathological examination of these lesions had revealed 60.2% emphysema, 21.2% hydatidosis, 18.6% pneumonia, 10.6% atelectasis, 4.9% aspiration of blood, 3.9% pneumoconiosis, 2.6% pulmonary edema and congestion, 1.6% abscess, 1% pleurisy, and 0.8% granulomatous pneumonia. Most camels had one or more pulmonary lesions on postmortem examination, but they were apparently healthy during antemortem inspection. Therefore, the prevailing stressful environmental condition coupled with the existing poor level of veterinary service in camel-rearing areas of the country might reverse these hidden inactive lesions and thereby contributed for the higher occurrence of respiratory diseases in camels.     

The characterization of Salmonella serovars isolated from apparently healthy slaughtered pigs at Addis Ababa abattoir, Ethiopia

We looked for Salmonella in all 278 apparently healthy pigs slaughtered between September 2004 and May 2005 at the only pig-slaughtering slaughterhouse in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We used standard methods and tested caecal contents, mesenteric lymph nodes, and carcass swabs from each pig (missing only one carcass swab). Of the 278 pigs, 120 (43%) were positive; of the 833 samples 173 (21%) were positive. Thirty-three percent of the isolates were multi-resistant (including 46/48 isolates of S. Hadar, but none of the 39 isolates of S. Eastbourne or of the 37 of S. Saintpaul). Resistance to streptomycin (32.4%), tetracycline (31.8%) and nitrofurantoin (27.2%) was relatively high. The most common pattern of MDR observed was to nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline (Resistance type NitStrTet). Our results indicate that salmonellae are prevalent in pigs slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir and a large proportion of the isolates were multi-drug resistant.     

Direct and indirect contacts between cattle farms in north-west England

Little is known regarding the types and frequencies of contact that exist between farms and which of these may act as pathogen transmission routes; however it is likely that farms demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in such contacts. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the direct and indirect contact types and frequencies that exist between cattle farms within a region, focusing on potential routes of pathogen transmission. The owners/managers of 56 farms located in a 10 km by 10 km study area in north-west England were administered an interview-based questionnaire between June and September 2005. Information was obtained relating to contact types and frequencies, including those involving animal movements, equipment sharing between farms and any contractors or companies visiting the farms.

The data was explored using hierarchical cluster analysis and network analysis. There was considerable variation between farms arising from different contact types. Some networks exhibited great connectivity, incorporating approximately 90% of the farms interviewed in a single component, whilst other networks were more fragmented, with multiple small components (sets of connected farms not linked with other farms). A range of factors influencing contact between farms were identified. For example, contiguous farms were more likely to be linked via other contacts, such as sharing of equipment and direct farm-to-farm animal movements (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively).

The frequency of contacts was also investigated; it is likely that the amount of contact a farm receives from a company or contractor and whether or not biosecurity is performed after contact would impact on disease transmission potential. We found considerable heterogeneity in contact frequency and that many company and contractor personnel undertook little biosecurity.

These findings lead to greater understanding of inter-farm contact and may aid development of appropriate biosecurity practices and control procedures, and inform mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.