Meat inspection education in Finnish veterinary curriculum

This article describes the Finnish meat-inspection curriculum and presents an expert-panel evaluation of meat-inspection education. The work tasks of the meat-inspection veterinarian are challenging and include classical meat inspection, meat hygiene, hygiene control, and animal disease and welfare. The meat-inspection veterinarian is not only an inspector, which by itself is very demanding, but also an expert or "consultant" on food safety. The significant role of the meat-inspection veterinarian in society puts high demands on meat-inspection education, which should provide veterinary students with sufficient tools to perform meat inspection and hygiene control in slaughterhouses, cutting premises, and further processing plants. To be of high quality, such education must be evaluated from time to time. An expert panel evaluated Finnish undergraduate meat-inspection education and found that it provides veterinary students with good knowledge of meat inspection. The structure of the curriculum, with theoretical studies followed by four weeks of practice in a slaughterhouse, was considered vital for learning and for creating interest in meat inspection. The evaluation also revealed that certain subjects should receive greater emphasis and some new subjects should be introduced. Hygiene-control tasks, in particular, have increased and should receive more emphasis in education. Personnel management and interaction skills should be introduced into the curriculum as these skills influence all the duties of the meat-inspection veterinarian. This article outlines the subjects to be included in the modern, high-quality meat-inspection curriculum recommended by the expert panel.     

Sero-epidemiological study of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in Belgian cattle

A sero-epidemiological survey of Taenia saginata cysticercosis was carried out to determine the prevalence of the infection in cattle presented for slaughter in Belgium. Between November 1997 and June 1998, a total of 1164 serum samples were collected in 20 export abattoirs. Meat inspection was routinely carried out by veterinary inspectors. Serum samples were examined for circulating parasite antigen using a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA). Thirty six serum samples (3.09%) were found positive in the Ag-ELISA, while by meat inspection on the same animals cysticerci were detected in only three carcasses (0.26%). Sero-prevalence was positively correlated with the age of the animals. The sero-prevalence found in this study was more than 10 times higher than the annual prevalence (0.26%) reported by the Institute for Veterinary Inspection. This study clearly indicates that the classical meat inspection techniques detect only a minor fraction of the carcasses infected with cysticerci.     

Evaluation and optimization of surveillance systems for rare and emerging infectious diseases

Surveillance for rare and emerging infectious diseases poses a special challenge to veterinary services. Most emerging infectious diseases like bovine tuberculosis (bTB) are zoonoses, affecting both human and animal populations. Despite the low prevalence of such an emerging infectious disease at time of incursion, the surveillance system should be able to detect the presence of the disease as early as possible. Because passive surveillance is a relatively cost-effective and therefore commonly used process, it is the basic tool for infectious disease surveillance. Because of under-reporting in passive surveillance, cost-intensive active surveillance is often required to increase the sensitivity of the surveillance system. Using scenario tree modelling, the sensitivity of passive and active surveillance system components (SSC) can be quantified and an optimal, cost-effective surveillance system developed considering the contributions of each SSC. We illustrate this approach with the example of bTB surveillance in Switzerland where the surveillance system for bTB consists of meat inspection at the slaughterhouse (SLI), passive clinical surveillance on farm (CLIN) and human surveillance (HS). While the sensitivities for CLIN and HS were both negligible (<1%), SLI was assessed to be 55.6%. The scenario tree model showed that SLI is increasable up to 80.4% when the disease awareness of meat inspectors in Switzerland is enhanced. A hypothetical random survey (RS) was also compared with a targeted survey (TS) in high-risk strata of the cattle population, and the sensitivity of TS was 1.17-fold better than in RS but with 50% of the sample size.     

Parasites in meat: a challenge for veterinarians in meat hygiene

Meat hygiene is an important instrument of preventive public health since the end of the nineteenth century. The methods used during ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection are partly quite traditional. This is in particular true for the identification of parasites in meat. The aim of this review was to present facts on aetiology, prevalence and importance of meat-borne parasitic hazards. The capacity and the limits of the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection for the identification of parasitic hazards are considered. Further, suggestions for the improvement of the meat hygiene are given. Cysticercosis, Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystosis are exposed in detail. With regard to Cysticercosis, the integration of serological methods in the inspection procedure could result in a tenfold improvement of diagnostical sensitivity. With regard to Toxoplasmosis, it is obvious that meat containing Toxoplasma-cysts may reach the consumer, as animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii can neither be recognised in the ante-mortem inspection nor in the meat inspection. Systematical serological investigations on farm level would allow an appropriate judgement during meat inspection and minimize the consumer exposure to this parasite. Further, reliable methods for the detection of Toxoplasma-cysts have to be developed. With regard to Sarcocystosis, the compulsory inspection of the muscle surfaces to recognise a "massive infection with Sarcocystis" is very doubtful in its interpretation. There is a need for suitable microscopic, serological and molecular biological methods for the detection of Sarcocystis-species and reliable informations on the seroprevalence of the parasite in slaughtering animals.     

The need for implementation of International Commission on Trichinellosis recommendations, quality assurance standards, and proficiency sample programs in meat inspection for trichinellosis in Serbia

Implementation of methods to control inspection for Trichinella in meat recommended by International Commission on Trichinellosis (ICT), particularly the introduction of the quality assurance standards and proficiency panels for certified analysts is extremely important in Serbia and other countries where Trichinellosis is endemic. In spite of existing regulations, including the inspection of 0.5 g samples of diaphragm by the compression method or by artificial digestion of 1g samples, in Serbia 280 people were diagnosed with clinical trichinellosis after consumption of inspected meat during the period 2001--2002. These outbreaks, which occurred in the municipalities of Kumane, Surcin and Bogatic, were a consequence of inadequate application of inspection methods and insufficient education of some veterinary inspectors. The problem of inadequate veterinary inspection in Serbia can be overcome by strict application of the ICT recommendations for the control of Trichinella with specific emphasis on implementing the quality assurance system (QAS) and proficiency sampling (PS/--PP/panel).     

Exploring the foundations of population health and preventive medicine as essential elements for veterinary education

The evolution of preventive medicine and public health training in professional veterinary medicine curricula is documented. Most veterinary colleges in the US began with a single course in meat hygiene or public health, with a focus on food hygiene issues. These courses laid the foundation for modern veterinary preventive medicine and public health training for veterinary students. Most graduates of veterinary colleges today have extensive training in population health, preventive medicine, and zoonotic diseases.     

我国兽用中化药类产品生产剂型及关键生产、检验设备需求研究

通过对兽药产品批准文号情况进行统计分析,发现粉剂、散剂、最终灭菌注射剂等九大类生产剂型是目前我国最主要的中化药兽药产品生产剂型。为此,选择其中的粉剂、注射剂、中药提取生产剂型并对其所需关键生产、检验设备进行重点分析研究,以帮助企业选择适合的生产与检验设备以满足兽药GMP要求,同时也为兽医行政主管部门检查人员履行属地管理职责提供必要的参考。     

四川省屏山县提升屠宰企业非洲猪瘟检测能力的实践与思考

为提升四川省屏山县屠宰企业非洲猪瘟检测能力,采用问卷和现场调查、到场指导以及集中培训等方式,对辖区内5家屠宰企业非洲猪瘟检测实验室基本情况开展调查和软硬件提升指导,并对检测人员进行培训和开展现场比对试验。结果显示:2019年初建非洲猪瘟检测实验室以后,屏山县5家屠宰企业对实验室均进行了分区、添置设备等硬件改造,检测人员数量有所增加,专业人员和全职人员占比增高,年龄结构向年轻化转变,比对检测的平均符合率由48%提升到100%。这提示改造实验室硬件设施设备,优化检测人员队伍,加强检测人员培训,可显著提升屠宰企业非洲猪瘟检测能力。     

Swine tuberculosis in South Dakota.

Mycobacteria were isolated from 195 of 200 lesions in lymph nodes identified as granulomatous by meat inspectors at 4 abattoirs in South Dakota. Mycobacterium avium serotypes 1 and 2 accounted for 89% of the isolants. Mycobacteria were isolated more frequently from lesions than acid-fast bacilli were observed on microscopic examination (P less than 0.001). The frequency with which mycobacteria was isolated was similar to the occurrence of granulomatous lesions. The numbers of the various kinds of mycobacteria isolated at each of the 4 abattoirs and for the 3 meat inspection disposition classes were not significantly different.     

Disease conditions diagnosed in culled adult cattle sent to an abattoir either with or without a veterinary certificate

Lesions were detected in 208 culled cattle examined at a slaughterhouse. Eighty-two of them had a veterinary certificate, and 30 of these had been slaughtered on the farm. The principal diagnoses included lameness (88 cases), mastitis (35), chronic infections (32), complications of parturition (20) and fractures and dislocation (14). Most of the 126 animals sent for slaughter by farmers without a veterinary certificate were suffering from lameness (71), mastitis (29) or chronic infections (18). Over 90 per cent of the animals with complications of parturition or traumatic injury had a veterinary certificate. The carcases of 33 (26 per cent) of the animals sent for slaughter without a veterinary certificate were rejected by the meat inspector, and 29 (35 per cent) of those with a veterinary certificate were rejected; the difference was not statistically significant.     

Reviewing the undergraduate veterinary curriculum in Finland for control tasks in veterinary public health

To review and develop the undergraduate veterinary curriculum on official control in veterinary public health, an electronic survey was sent to 204 Finnish veterinarians employed in the field of food hygiene in 2005. The response rate was 44%. Most frequently cited as strengths of the current curriculum were extensive education and good knowledge. Respondents considered the main challenges in their work to be a wide field of activity, organizational changes, financial resources, organization of substitutes, and collaboration with decision makers. Of the 23 items to be included in the undergraduate curriculum, therefore, respondents prioritized state and local decision making, the role of the public servant, and leadership and management in the area of social factors; in the field of practical control work, in-house control systems, organizations and responsibilities, control techniques, and planning and targeting of controls were prioritized. Of areas traditionally covered in the undergraduate curriculum, legislation; legal proceedings and implications of controls; risks to human, animal, and plant health; and hazards in feed, animal, and food production were stated to be the most important. Although respondents were generally content with their career choice, veterinary public health tasks were not their first choice of career path immediately after graduation. Based on these findings, more attention should be focused on social aspects and practical training in official control in the undergraduate veterinary curriculum. The survey results also highlight the contrasts between society's needs and veterinarians' motivations and career-path expectations, which pose a significant challenge for future curricula.     

Slaughter by-products: problems, preliminary research and possible solutions.

The collection, storage, disposal and processing of slaughterhouse by-products is an important part of veterinary care in regions with intensive animal husbandry and meat production. Transmission of diseases and environmental pollution through an improper and/or incorrect handling of slaughterhouse by-products needs to be prevented. The use of animal by-products as feedstuff could be of economical benefit to slaughterhouses and could add nutritive value to animal feed. As a results of the centralisation and intensification of slaughtering, the amount of slaughter by-products produced at a single location is increasing. Until now, hardly any attention, in practice or in research, has been paid to the collection and disposal of these by-products. There are important socio-economic reasons to increase scientific knowledge about the handling of slaughter by-products. Several animal by-products were contaminated with Salmonella. We also showed that rapid breakdown of amino acids in poultry by-products occurs during storage at 20 degrees C. It is concluded that as far as safety, environmental care and nutritive value of animal by-products is concerned, diversification and separation of slaughter by-product collection, storage, disposal and processing is necessary. Measures at source, the slaughterline, and some technologies are suggested for future use.     

Self-reported hand hygiene perceptions and barriers among companion animal veterinary clinic personnel in Ontario,Canada

The objective of this study was to describe the perceived importance of and barriers to hand hygiene among companion animal clinic staff. An anonymous, voluntary written questionnaire was completed by 356 of approximately 578 individuals (62%) from 49/51 clinics. On a scale of 1 (not important) to 7 (very important), the percentage of respondents who rated hand hygiene as a 5 or higher was at least 82% in all clinical scenarios queried. The most frequently reported reason for not performing hand hygiene was forgetting to do so (40%, 141/353). Specific discussion of hand hygiene practices at work was recalled by 32% (114/354) of respondents. Although veterinary staff seem to recognize the importance of hand hygiene, it should be emphasized more during staff training. Other barriers including time constraints and skin irritation should also be addressed, possibly through increased access to and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.     

Knowledge and practices regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus among camel handlers in a Slaughterhouse,Kenya, 2015

Dromedary camels are implicated as reservoirs for the zoonotic transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) with the respiratory route thought to be the main mode of transmission. Knowledge and practices regarding MERS among herders, traders and slaughterhouse workers were assessed at Athi‐River slaughterhouse, Kenya. Questionnaires were administered, and a check list was used to collect information on hygiene practices among slaughterhouse workers. Of 22 persons, all washed hands after handling camels, 82% wore gumboots, and 65% wore overalls/dustcoats. None of the workers wore gloves or facemasks during slaughter processes. Fourteen percent reported drinking raw camel milk; 90% were aware of zoonotic diseases with most reporting common ways of transmission as: eating improperly cooked meat (90%), drinking raw milk (68%) and slaughter processes (50%). Sixteen (73%) were unaware of MERS‐CoV. Use of personal protective clothing to prevent direct contact with discharges and aerosols was lacking. Although few people working with camels were interviewed, those met at this centralized slaughterhouse lacked knowledge about MERS‐CoV but were aware of zoonotic diseases and their transmission. These findings highlight need to disseminate information about MERS‐CoV and enhance hygiene and biosafety practices among camel slaughterhouse workers to reduce opportunities for potential virus transmission.     

《动物性食品卫生学》实验课教学改革探索

《动物性食品卫生学》是动物医学专业的重要专业课之一.本文主要从实验课的教学内容改革、教学方法改革和课程考核方式改革等方面入手,提出了实验课改革的措施.通过这些改革措施的实施,旨在培养能够从事动物性食品卫生安全检验检疫工作和卫生监督管理工作的创新型高级科技人才.     

Environmental and food hygiene aspects of cestode infections of humans]

Cysticercus bovis s. inermis, the larvae phase of Taenia saginata is still widely spread. Many reasons are at the origin thereof, e.g. incomplete destruction of the eggs of Taenia saginata during the waste water purification process and differing meat inspection practises. In an area with the same environmental and animal breeding and fattening conditions a yearly average of 6.49% infestation is found in one slaughterhouse, whilst the yearly average in a neighbouring slaughterhouse is 0.93%. The masseter muscles are the main site of infestation. The meat inspection legislation contributes to the infestation with tape-worms in man because of the weakening of the official inspection procedures.     

美国畜禽屠宰检疫制度介绍

国务院调整畜禽屠宰管理职能后,畜禽屠宰行业由农业部负责管理,生猪屠宰检疫管理制度亟待进一步完善。本文介绍了美国畜禽屠宰检疫的法律依据、管理体制、检疫人员、检疫的内容和程序,以及检疫出证等内容,希望可以为我国屠宰检疫制度建设提供参考。     

安徽省生猪屠宰监管工作探究

介绍了安徽省生猪屠宰监管现状和主要举措,分析了生猪屠宰场(点)设置不合理、病死动物及检疫检验不合格产品无害化处理设施设备不完善、屠宰场(点)落实主体责任不到位等监管中存在的问题,针对性提出建立落实覆盖屠宰场审批、建设、运行、退出全过程监管制度,强化部门联合执法机制、完善病死动物及检疫检验不合格产品无害化处理体系建设等建议,同时对屠宰企业委托具备相应资质专业机构履行肉品品质检验工作进行了展望。     

Wild Ungulate Slaughtering and Meat Inspection

The different phases of production of farmed and hunted wild game fresh meat are described. The importance of reducing the stress resulting from handling procedures (capture, restraint, transport) before the slaughtering of animals is highlighted, due to its adverse effects on meat quality. The hygienic and animal welfare criteria to be adopted in the slaughtering of wild game are described. The importance of carcass inspection immediately after slaughtering is stated, so that meat can be destined for human consumption. Possible alterations occurring in fresh and refrigerated meat, that are capable of compromising its consumability, are presented.     

兽用生物制品检验中级工职业技能鉴定中革兰氏染色问题分析及建议

通过对参加兽用生物制品检验中级工职业技能鉴定的63名考生细菌革兰氏染色结果进行分析,了解我国兽用生物制品生产企业细菌革兰氏染色及显微镜操作能力的整体水平。63名考生对随机选取大肠杆菌或金黄色葡萄球菌进行革兰氏染色显微镜检查,要求考生在规定时间内完成细菌革兰氏染色并提交显微镜观察结果。92%考生检验结果满意(58/63);8%检验结果不满意(5/63);最高分50分(满分),最低分14分。体现出我国兽用生物制品生产企业检验人员的细菌染色显微镜观察水平参差不齐,尽管大部分检验人员掌握了细菌革兰氏染色及普通光学显微镜操作技能,但仍有小部分检验人员细菌染色及操作显微镜能力有待进一步提高。