Search Results (10)

This study aimed to provide insights into the main causes of postmortem carcass and organ condemnations in a pig slaughterhouse and evaluate the resulting financial impact of the rejection of edible parts of animals. A population of 307,866 pigs, admitted for slaughter between January 2021 and December 2022 in a Bavarian abattoir, was studied. Regarding the examined carcasses, 2.09% (n = 6422) presented pathological conditions. Of these, 8.12% (n = 522) and 91.88% (n = 5900) were totally and partially confiscated, respectively. The main reason for the complete rejection of carcasses was the occurrence of generalized diseases (62.6%), while the presence of abscesses and traumatic and/or tail lesions was the most frequently implicated (70.7%) in partial condemnations. In the case of the organs, 17.59% (n = 54,145) presented abnormalities, with distributions of 14.71% (n = 45,290), 1.94% (n = 5968), 0.72% (n = 2213), and 0.22% (n = 674) within the examined liver, lung, kidney, and heart specimens, respectively. The principal reasons for liver, lung, kidney, and heart condemnations were the occurrence of parasitic diseases (53.4%), bacterial/viral infections (63.5%), dystrophies/anomalies (98.4%), and bacterial/viral infections (98.5%), respectively. The total financial loss attributable to carcass and organ condemnations was estimated at EUR 392,744.2, which represents 0.40% of the total achievable net revenue without rejections. Of this, EUR 197,120 (0.20%) and EUR 195,624.2 (6.95%) were related to carcass and offal seizures, respectively. The study results offer useful information for veterinarians, stockowners, and epidemiologists to make and set up policies to increase the efficiency and benefits of the swine production system and protect public health. Full article

We started a campaign in the heart of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, to expose the hidden threats of parasitic illnesses in ruminants and the severe financial consequences associated with them. Our in-depth investigations focused on the prevalence, impact, and astounding financial losses brought on by organ contamination in slaughtered animals. Of the 384 slaughtered ruminants examined for gastrointestinal parasites, a prevalence of 44.79% was recorded. It is interesting to note that we found no conclusive association between parasitic infection and the various ruminant species under study (p > 0.05). However, goats (52.0%) had the highest numerical prevalence of parasitic infection, followed by cattle (46.1%), buffalo (46.0%), and sheep (34.7%) in that order. A significant finding (p < 0.05) showed that the majority of animals had light parasitism (46.5%), as opposed to those with moderate (30.2%) or severe loads (23.2%). Our research revealed substantial (p < 0.05) relationships between ruminant age, sex, and parasitic infection prevalence. In comparison to females (56.4%) and adults (48.1%), males (36.1%) and young (36.9%) ruminants showed considerably decreased infection rates (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we discovered a non-significant (p > 0.05) association between the months and the prevalence of parasitic infection. As a result of the condemnation of contaminated organs such as the rumen, lungs, and liver, an estimated financial loss of PKR 133,731,400 (USD = 466,939.2) was incurred. The yearly economic losses caused by liver condemnation were much greater than those caused by rumen and lung condemnation (p < 0.05). Our research not only reported a significantly higher abundance but also economic threats of the parasitic diseases among the slaughtered animals in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Our findings highlighted the critical need for preventive and therapeutic interventions for parasitic infections in animals, in order to mitigate the economic losses through strengthened animal health. Full article

The study was undertaken to investigate the main causes of carcass and organ condemnations, as well as to estimate the financial losses suffered by a cattle slaughterhouse. In this regard, an active abattoir survey, based on standard post-mortem inspection procedures for meat, was conducted on 151,741 cattle, from January 2021 to December 2022. Overall, 13.27% (n = 20,125) of the carcasses expressed lesions or pathological conditions and, out of them, 1.15% (n = 1738) were totally confiscated, while another 12.12% (n = 18,387) were partially admitted for human consumption. In the case of organs, the general inspection data reveal that 12.28% (n = 18,630), 7.56% (n = 11,477), 1.89% (n = 2862), and 0.27% (n = 412) of the examined liver, lung, heart, and kidney specimens presented one or more types of abnormalities. In addition, regarding the types of specific pathological findings, dystrophies/anomalies (69.8%), circulatory disorders (40.6%), fecal contamination (60.9%), and suspected bacterial/viral infections showed a dominant occurrence in the liver, lung, heart, and kidneys, respectively. Consequently, the total direct financial losses resulting from edible part condemnation over the two years was estimated at EUR 4,021,717.3, which represents 1.17% of the total achievable net revenue without carcass and organ condemnation. Of this, EUR 3,661,400.4 (1.07%) and EUR 360,316.9 (8.73%) was related to carcass and organ condemnation, respectively. The study results demonstrate that the post-mortem inspection of meat at the slaughterhouse level plays a crucial role in identifying pathological lesions, in addition to some other issues, such as fecal contamination or non-compliant laboratory results, relevant to both public health and economic factors. Full article

Global human population growth requires the consumption of more meat such as beef to meet human needs for protein intake. Cattle parasites are a constant and serious threat to the development of the beef cattle industry. Studies have shown that parasites not only reduce the performance of beef cattle, but also negatively affect the profitability of beef agriculture and have many other impacts, including contributing to the production of greenhouse gases. In addition, some zoonotic parasitic diseases may also threaten human health. Therefore, ongoing cattle parasite research is crucial for continual parasite control and the development of the beef cattle industry. Parasitism challenges profitable beef production by reducing feed efficiency, immune function, reproductive efficiency, liveweight, milk yield, calf yield and carcass weight, and leads to liver condemnations and disease transmission. Globally, beef cattle producers incur billions (US$) in losses due to parasitism annually, with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and cattle ticks causing the greatest economic impact. The enormity of losses justifies parasitic control measures to protect profits and improve animal welfare. Geographical differences in production environment, management practices, climate, cattle age and genotype, parasite epidemiology and susceptibility to chemotherapies necessitate control methods customized for each farm. Appropriate use of anthelmintics, endectocides and acaricides have widely been shown to result in net positive return on investment. Implementing strategic parasite control measures, with thorough knowledge of parasite risk, prevalence, parasiticide resistance profiles and prices can result in positive economic returns for beef cattle farmers in all sectors. Full article

Background: Due to the limited information and lack of studies on neoplasms in domestic ruminants, i.e., cattle, sheep, and goats, and domestic swine, the objective of the present study was to systematically review the scientific literature to verify the occurrence, type, organ system, and organs most affected by neoplasms in these animals. Methods: The recommendations of the PRISMA methodology were followed for the elaboration of this study. The research consisted of a systematic review of neoplasms in domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Results: The number of neoplasms found was 1873. The most affected organ system was the integumentary system with 35.0%, followed in descending order by the alimentary system with 16.90%, the hematopoietic system with 13.50%, the special senses (i.e., eyes and ears) with 10.51%, the female and male genital systems with 7.31%, the urinary system with 4.38%, the liver and biliary system with 3.152%, the endocrine glands with 3.91%, the respiratory system with 2.67%, the nervous system with 2.35%, bones and joints with 0.43%, muscles and tendons with 0.37%, the cardiovascular system with 0.21%, and the pancreas with 0.16%. Of the animals with neoplasms studied, cattle were affected in 69.80% of cases, goats in 10.52%, sheep in 10.46%, and swine in 9.18%. In all species, the most frequent neoplasms were squamous cell carcinomas in ruminants, while melanoma was the most frequent in swine. Few studies carried out in slaughterhouses were found, and the existing ones referred to cattle and swine. No data were found on economic losses with carcass condemnation. Conclusions: In view of the above, it is necessary to carry out extensive and detailed studies that provide knowledge about the impact of neoplasms on the production and condemnation of carcasses in domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and swine and the respective risk factors. Full article

A study on fasciolosis prevalence, gross pathological lesions, fluke genetic identification and coprological analysis was carried out in slaughtered cattle from one abattoir in Cape Verde. Of the 131 cattle inspected over two months, 12 (9.0%) presented fasciolosis-compatible lesions (FCL) that resulted in liver condemnation. The genetic characterization of the flukes collected, through restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified fragments (PCR-RFLP), confirmed the presence of Fasciola gigantica; therefore, being the first identification of this species in cattle from Cape Verde. Animals that released Fasciola spp. eggs and, thus, responsible for environment contamination (positive shedders), were identified through coprological analysis (natural sedimentation technique). Of the 12 animals with FCL, samples from 11 were submitted to coprological analysis and 7 (63.6%) were found to be positive shedders. Furthermore, of the 82 animals with non-FCL, randomly selected for coprological analysis, 4 (4.9%) were also found to be positive shedders for Fasciola spp. The results of this study, regarding species identification and coprological analysis, are epidemiologically important to update the information regarding fasciolosis in Cape Verde. The new data could help implement effective strategies for disease control and mitigation, consequently reducing economic loss and the level of animal and human infection from the One Health perspective. Full article

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gumbo slaughter slab in Juba, Central Equatoria State (CES) in South Sudan, between October and December 2015, to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and to estimate the direct economic losses associated with condemnation of infected organs in slaughtered goats. A thorough postmortem examination was conducted on carcasses of a total of 1126 goats selected by systematic random sampling for detection of CE in the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and the spleen. Moreover, CE-related direct financial losses were estimated by using a standardized formula. The overall prevalence of CE was found to be 281 (24.9%, 95% CI 22.5–27.6). Furthermore, old age (OR = 2.61, p value < 0.001), Mubende breed (OR = 2.97, p value < 0.001), and Ugandan geographical origin (OR = 2.97, p value < 0.001) were associated with higher prevalence of CE. The lungs were the most affected organ with a prevalence of 55.2% followed by liver (44.1%), and the spleen (0.07%). A direct CE-related monetary loss of 78,820 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) per year was estimated. This loss is equivalent to USD 43,788. In conclusion, CE is considerably prevalent and is associated with significant direct financial losses among goats slaughtered at Gumbo slaughter slab in Juba, CES, South Sudan. Full article

Fascioliasis (liver fluke infestation) is one of the most important parasitic diseases affecting cattle, other ruminant animals and humans. Fascioliasis causes large, but usually neglected, economic losses to cattle farmers and traders. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and associated risks for fascioliasis in slaughter cattle and estimate the financial losses due to liver condemnation at the Lira Municipal abattoir in Uganda. A total of 216 cattle were sampled during the study period. Animal breed and sex were determined by observing the phenotypic characteristics of the animals. Age was determined by assessing the eruption and wearing of permanent teeth. After slaughter, the liver was examined for presence of Fasciola spp. (liver flukes) by visual inspection, palpation, and incisions. The bile ducts and gall bladder were similarly examined for presence of mature Fasciola spp. The gross weight and amount of liver trimmed-off due to fluke infestation were determined. Of the 216 liver examined, 65.7% (n = 142) were infested with Fasciola spp. Cattle that were aged 4–5 years old at the time of slaughter had significantly greater odds (OR = 5.84; CI [2.79–12.22]) of being infested with Fasciola spp. compared to those that were younger than 3.5 years old. In contrast, cattle that had a body condition score of 3.5 or 4 had lower odds (OR= 0.42; CI [0.21–0.88] and OR = 0.22; CI [0.04–1.10]) of fascioliasis than those with a BCS of 3. Other tested variables including animal origin, breed, sex, and gross weight of the liver had no significant effect on the prevalence of fascioliasis. This study also revealed that the abattoir loses an estimated 38 million UGX annually due to condemnation of Fasciola-infested liver (one UGX= 0.00027 USD; July 2016). Our study showed that the prevalence of fascioliasis was high in Lira District, Uganda, which results in a large amount of liver being condemned and destroyed, leading to financial losses for affected farmers in the area. Therefore, there is a need to take the necessary preventive measures to control the disease and increase awareness among farmers and medical personnel in the area due to the zoonotic nature of fascioliasis. Full article

The activities performed by the Official Veterinarian at the slaughterhouse represent a useful source of data for the control of issues affecting human and animal health and welfare. This study analyzed the data deriving from ten years (2010–2019) of meat inspection in a pig slaughterhouse in Tuscany (Italy) to investigate the transport mortality rate and the frequencies and main causes of whole carcass and partial condemnations. In total, 1,246,309 pigs were slaughtered from 8 different regions of Central and Northern Italy. Overall, 1153 pigs died during transport (mortality rate 0.09%). Whole carcass condemnation affected 372 carcasses (0.03%), mainly due to erysipelas, generalized jaundice, lipomatous pseudohypertrophy, generalized abscesses, acute or generalized enteritis, and peritonitis. As regards partial condemnations, the liver was the most frequently condemned (~30% of the pigs), followed by lungs (17.3%), heart (6.9%), and kidney (0.9%). The main causes were “milk spot liver” and perihepatitis for the liver; pneumonia and pleurisy for the lungs; pericarditis and polyserositis for the heart; and polycystic kidney and nephritis for kidneys. The results of this study describe a non-worrying situation as regards the investigated aspects and confirm the slaughterhouse as a valid epidemiological observatory for monitoring the trend of the main diseases over time, the results of the efforts for their control, and the compliance with animal welfare standards. Full article

Food production needs to double, with minimum waste, if hunger and poverty is to be alleviated in South Africa. The condemnation of liver during meat inspection represents a huge waste of a protein food resource. This paper measures the quantity of liver condemned in three abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and assesses the causes and the monetary loss associated with these condemnations. A retrospective study (RS) (n = 51 302) involving the use of abattoir slaughter records from 2010–2012 and a post-mortem meat inspection (PMMI) (n = 1374) was conducted from July to December 2013. The RS revealed the leading cause of liver wastage as fasciolosis (5.95%, 4.48%, and 2.7%), fibrosis (2.74%, 2.37%, and 1.0%), and abscessation (1.11%, 2.78%, and 1.5%) for the 2010, 2011, and 2012 respectively. During the PMMI, the same factors caused liver condemnation in addition to calcification (8.3%, 6.8%, and 3.2%), Cysticercosis bovis (1.7%, 2.4%, and 1.3%) and improper evisceration (4.8%, 12.4%, and 27.1%) for the abattoirs X, Y, and Z respectively. A total of R 343, 330 (USD 45,271.07) was lost due to the condemnation of liver between 2010 and 2012. The further loss of 3290.4 kg of liver was calculated for the six month in 2013, and its financial value was R 59, 227.2 (USD 5889.82). The result of this study provide baseline information on major causes of liver wastage in cattle slaughtered in South Africa as well as the direct financial losses and demonstrate the huge waste of ideal protein food source. Full article