Development of a dot blot assay for the rapid detection of central nervous system tissue on meat and contact surfaces

As a potential transmitter of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), tissue from bovine central nervous system (CNS) is not accepted in meat and meat products. Western blot analysis of the CNS marker myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) detects CNS contamination selectively and sensitively. In this study, a rapid dot blot assay using an anti-PLP antibody was developed to screen CNS contamination of meat and contact surfaces. The detection limit was 0.01% bovine brain in minced bovine muscle. When applied to a swab test, down to 0.5 mg of CNS tissue on meat or other surfaces was detectable. Other offal tissues or peripheral nerves did not interfere with the assay. The test allows a differentiation between mammalian and avian CNS but not among mammalian species. The swab test was applied immediately after slaughtering at several areas of the bovine head. CNS was not detectable at any region which may enter the food chain.