Electronic data collection to enhance disease surveillance at the slaughterhouse in a smallholder production system.

Globally, meat inspection provides data for animal health surveillance. However, paper-based recording of data is often not reported through to higher authorities in sufficient detail. We trialled the use of an electronic meat inspection form in Kenyan slaughterhouses, in lieu of the currently used paper-based format. Meat inspectors in two ruminant slaughterhouses completed and submitted an electronic report for each animal slaughtered at their facility. The reports, which captured information on the animal demographics and any eventual condemnations, were stored in a central database and available in real-time. A stakeholder meeting was held towards the end of the study. Over the 2.75 year study period, 16,386 reports were submitted; a downward linear trend in the monthly submissions was noted. There was a week effect, whereby more reports were submitted on the market day. Of the slaughtered animals, 23% had at least a partial condemnation. The most frequently condemned organs were the liver, lungs and intestines; the primary reasons for condemnations were parasitic conditions. Lack of feedback and difficulty capturing animal origin information were the primary challenges highlighted. The study demonstrated that electronic data capture is feasible in such challenging environments, thereby improving the timeliness and resolution of the data collected.

Wooden breast and white striping: comparative occurrence in three poultry companies / Wooden breast e white striping: ocorrência em três empresas avícolas

To increase the amount of meat produced, researchers have promoted intensive genetic selection for growth rate and muscling and have improved nutrition and management conditions. However, there has been an increase in the number of reports of breast muscle myopathies observed in poultry processing plants, including white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB). This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the occurrence of WS and WB myopathies in three poultry processing plants and to perform an anatomopathological characterization, including macroscopic and microscopic analyses. A total of 408,334 carcasses were condemned or downgraded due to the presence of WB or WS, which represents 0.73% of the total number of slaughtered animals during the evaluated period. WB was more frequent than WS, but the occurrence of each myopathy varied significantly according to each establishment. WB was more frequent in the establishment which includes only male flocks, an average age of 45 days, and an average live weight of 2775g (B). WS was more frequent in establishment with male, female and mixed flocks, average ages ranging from 41 to 44 days, and average live weight 1731g-2830g (A). It is probably related with specific condition of each poultry company, including genetics, age, nutrition and management conditions. Macroscopically, WB and WS lesions are characterized by hypertrophy and stiffness of the pectoralis major muscle. Under microscopy, the myopathies showed similarities regarding the detected histological abnormalities, characterized by a process of myodegeneration, although the connective tissue infiltrate was more severe in the breasts with WB than in those with WS myopathy. The results found in this study demonstrate that the rates of condemnation for these myopathies are high, vary significantly among the analyzed companies and may cause major economic losses for the productive sector in the region.(AU)

Para melhorar a quantidade de carne produzida, os pesquisadores têm promovido ao longo dos anos uma seleção genética intensiva para a taxa de crescimento e desenvolvimento de músculos, além de melhorias nas condições nutricionais, sanitárias e de manejo. No entanto, houve um aumento no número de relatos de miopatias dos músculos do peito observados em abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves, incluindo white striping (WS) e wooden breast (WB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de WB e WS em três abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves e realizar uma caracterização anatomopatológica, incluindo análises macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 408.334 carcaças foi condenado (total ou parcialmente) devido à presença WB ou WS, o que representou 0,73% do número total de animais abatidos durante o período avaliado. Apesar de a ocorrência de WB ter sido maior do que a de WS, a frequência de cada uma variou significativamente de acordo com o estabelecimento. WB foi mais frequente no estabelecimento que incluía apenas lotes de machos, com média de 45 dias de idade e peso médio ao abate de 2775g (B). WS foi mais frequente no estabelecimento com lotes de machos, fêmeas e mistos, com idade entre 41 e 44 dias e peso médio ao abate entre 1731g-2830g (A). Isto pode ser justificado por condições específicas de cada empresa, incluindo genética, idade das aves, nutrição e condições de manejo. Macroscopicamente, as lesões de WB e de WS foram caracterizadas principalmente por hipertrofia e rigidez do músculo pectoralis major. À microscopia, ambas as miopatias mostraram semelhanças em relação às anormalidades histológicas detectadas, caracterizadas principalmente por um processo de miodegeneração. Nos músculos apresentando WB, o infiltrado de tecido conjuntivo foi mais intenso quando comparado àqueles com WS. Os resultados encontrados neste trabalho demonstram que os índices de condenação por essas miopatias são altos, variam significativamente entre as empresas analisadas e podem causar grandes perdas econômicas para o setor produtivo da região.(AU)

[Integrated management method in the prevention department of a COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in a large meat processing plant in Bari province]. / Modalità di gestione integrata nel dipartimento di prevenzione di un focolaio epidemico di COVID-19 in un grande stabilimento di lavorazione di carni della provincia di Bari.

Aim of this paper is to describe the management of an outbreak of COVID-19 in a slaughtering and meat processing plant in Bari Province (Southern Italy). At the end of the outbreak investigation, 18.4% of the employees were positive to the molecular test for SARS-CoV-2. Higher prevalence has been reported in the bovine slaughtering house and swine meat processing plant.In addition to lack of physical distancing and correct use of personal protective equipment, the spread of the virus has been eased by low level of literacy, indoor microclimate, intensive working time, and aerosol-generating procedures in specific areas of the processing plant where more positive cases have been detected. The analysis of this cluster may suggest specific actions to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

Association between perception of bodily discomfort and individual and work organisational factors in Brazilian slaughterhouse workers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Brazil is the world's second largest poultry meat producer and leading exporter. Many poultry processing tasks are physically demanding and involve factors that increase the risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD). However, little is known about the assessment of bodily discomfort in these workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between perception of bodily discomfort and individual and work organisational factors in poultry slaughterhouse workers. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Three poultry slaughterhouses in the South of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: This paper included 925 workers of 3 poultry slaughterhouses, 575 women and 350 men. The selection of the participants was random. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Workers were asked about individual factors, work organiation, perception of bodily discomfort and cold, as well as ingestion of pain medication. Crude and adjusted ORs were estimated and 95% CIs were derived from binary logistic regression analysis for perception of bodily discomfort. RESULTS: There was a significant association (p<0.05) between perception of bodily discomfort and female gender (OR=1.77; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.41), performance of repetitive tasks (OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.91) and perception of cold (OR=2.05; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.91). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research demonstrated that the sector of occupational safety and health management in poultry slaughterhouses should monitor the symptoms of WMSD among their workers, especially female workers, workers who perform repetitive tasks, as well as those who perform tasks in cold environments because these groups are more likely to experience bodily discomfort.

An evaluation of environmental, intrinsic and pre- and post-slaughter risk factors associated to dark-cutting beef in a Federal Inspected Type slaughter plant.

The objective was to determine the risk factors associated to dark-cutting in bovine carcasses. The study was conducted at a Federal Inspection abattoir located in northeastern Mexico. A random sample of 394 animals at slaughter was used. A total of 26 explanatory variables were evaluated; the analysis included environmental, animal-specific, and management factors both at pre- and post- slaughter periods. Only four variables were statistically significant within the final logistic regression model (P < .001). The frequency of dark-cutting carcasses was 13.45%. Lairage time was directly proportional to the percentage of risk for dark-cutting beef. Improper desensitization also increased the frequency of carcasses with this anomaly. Backfat thickness and the 24-h pH differential of the carcasses were inversely proportional to the risk for dark-cutting beef. An interesting finding was that risk factors for DFD meat are present in all stages of the slaughter process and thus to effectively address this problem an integral evaluation is needed throughout the slaughter process.

[Job rotation in beef packing operations: beyond the physical dimensions of work]. / Rodízio de postos em abate de bovinos: para além das dimensões físicas do trabalho.

Brazilian Regulation NR-36, specific to the slaughterhouse and meat packing industries, emphasizes the implementation of job turnover to reduce workers' exposure to repetitive and machine-controlled physical strain. However, studies have shown that the effects of such measures are generally less than expected, and that rotation alone is not the solution to work-related health problems. Based on a study performed in a beef packing plant, the article aims to present and discuss real work dimensions that are considered relevant to the plant workers' health and safety. Knowledge of such dimensions is important for the implementation of job rotation projects. The methodology included interviews with 16 volunteers divided into four groups. The focus group and collective confrontation techniques were used, drawing on videos of the work. The results pointed to dimensions already known in the literature, related to physical strain, the required skills, work pace, and insufficient time to perform quality work. New data appeared in relation to the work's heterogeneous specifications, representing a source of psychological pressure during work in the cattle slaughtering areas. These organizational dimensions impact workers' individual and collective activity as well as workplace health. In our view, and corroborating international studies, in addition to the work's physical dimensions, organizational, human, strategic, and pedagogical aspects should be considered in projects involving the implementation of job rotation.

A norma brasileira NR-36, específica para indústrias de abate e processamento de carnes, indica a necessidade de implantação de rodízios de postos para reduzir a exposição dos trabalhadores a constrangimentos físicos repetitivos e controlados por máquinas. Porém, estudos demonstram que os efeitos alcançados com essa implantação são geralmente inferiores ao esperado e que a rotação sozinha não seria a solução para os problemas de saúde no trabalho. Por meio de uma pesquisa empírica em um frigorífico de abate de bovinos, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e discutir dimensões do trabalho real consideradas relevantes para a saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores. Tais dimensões constituem elementos importantes a serem considerados em projetos de implantação de rodízio de postos. A metodologia compreende entrevistas coletivas com 16 trabalhadores voluntários divididos em 4 grupos. As técnicas de grupo focal e de confrontação coletiva valendo-se de filmes da atividade foram utilizadas. Os resultados evidenciam dimensões já conhecidas na literatura relacionadas aos constrangimentos físicos, competências necessárias, ritmo de trabalho e falta de tempo para realizar um trabalho de qualidade. Dados novos aparecem quanto às prescrições heterogêneas do trabalho que representam uma fonte de pressão psíquica em zonas do abate. Essas dimensões organizacionais impactam a atividade individual e coletiva dos trabalhadores, assim como a saúde no trabalho. Do nosso ponto de vista, e corroborando estudos internacionais, além das dimensões físicas do trabalho, aspetos organizacionais, humanos, estratégicos e pedagógicos devem ser considerados em projetos de implantação do rodízio de postos.

La norma brasileña NR-36, específica para industrias de sacrificio y procesamiento de carnes, indica la necesidad de la implantación de rotación de puestos para reducir la exposición de los trabajadores a presiones físicas repetitivas y controladas por máquinas. No obstante, algunos estudios demuestran que los efectos alcanzados con esa implantación son generalmente inferiores a lo esperado, y que sólo la rotación no sería la solución para los problemas de salud en el trabajo. Mediante una investigación empírica en un frigorífico de sacrificio de bovinos, el objetivo de este artículo es presentar y discutir las dimensiones del trabajo real, consideradas relevantes para la salud y seguridad de los trabajadores. Tales dimensiones constituyen elementos importantes que deben ser consideradas en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos. La metodología comprende entrevistas colectivas con 16 trabajadores voluntarios divididos en 4 grupos. Se utilizaron técnicas de grupos focales y confrontación colectiva, valiéndose de grabaciones de la actividad. Los resultados evidencian dimensiones ya conocidas en la literatura, relacionadas con presiones físicas, competencias necesarias, ritmo de trabajo y falta de tiempo para realizar un trabajo de calidad. Aparecen nuevos datos en relación con las prescripciones heterogéneas del trabajo que representan una fuente de presión psíquica en zonas de sacrificio. Estas dimensiones organizativas impactan en la actividad individual y colectiva de los trabajadores, así como la salud en el trabajo. Desde nuestro punto de vista, y corroborando estudios internacionales, además de las dimensiones físicas del trabajo, se deben considerar aspectos organizativos, humanos, estratégicos y pedagógicos en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos.

Rodízio de postos em abate de bovinos: para além das dimensões físicas do trabalho / Job rotation in beef packing operations: beyond the physical dimensions of work / Rotación de puestos en el sacrificio de bovinos: más allá de las dimensiones físicas del trabajo

Resumo: A norma brasileira NR-36, específica para indústrias de abate e processamento de carnes, indica a necessidade de implantação de rodízios de postos para reduzir a exposição dos trabalhadores a constrangimentos físicos repetitivos e controlados por máquinas. Porém, estudos demonstram que os efeitos alcançados com essa implantação são geralmente inferiores ao esperado e que a rotação sozinha não seria a solução para os problemas de saúde no trabalho. Por meio de uma pesquisa empírica em um frigorífico de abate de bovinos, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e discutir dimensões do trabalho real consideradas relevantes para a saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores. Tais dimensões constituem elementos importantes a serem considerados em projetos de implantação de rodízio de postos. A metodologia compreende entrevistas coletivas com 16 trabalhadores voluntários divididos em 4 grupos. As técnicas de grupo focal e de confrontação coletiva valendo-se de filmes da atividade foram utilizadas. Os resultados evidenciam dimensões já conhecidas na literatura relacionadas aos constrangimentos físicos, competências necessárias, ritmo de trabalho e falta de tempo para realizar um trabalho de qualidade. Dados novos aparecem quanto às prescrições heterogêneas do trabalho que representam uma fonte de pressão psíquica em zonas do abate. Essas dimensões organizacionais impactam a atividade individual e coletiva dos trabalhadores, assim como a saúde no trabalho. Do nosso ponto de vista, e corroborando estudos internacionais, além das dimensões físicas do trabalho, aspetos organizacionais, humanos, estratégicos e pedagógicos devem ser considerados em projetos de implantação do rodízio de postos.

Abstract: Brazilian Regulation NR-36, specific to the slaughterhouse and meat packing industries, emphasizes the implementation of job turnover to reduce workers' exposure to repetitive and machine-controlled physical strain. However, studies have shown that the effects of such measures are generally less than expected, and that rotation alone is not the solution to work-related health problems. Based on a study performed in a beef packing plant, the article aims to present and discuss real work dimensions that are considered relevant to the plant workers' health and safety. Knowledge of such dimensions is important for the implementation of job rotation projects. The methodology included interviews with 16 volunteers divided into four groups. The focus group and collective confrontation techniques were used, drawing on videos of the work. The results pointed to dimensions already known in the literature, related to physical strain, the required skills, work pace, and insufficient time to perform quality work. New data appeared in relation to the work's heterogeneous specifications, representing a source of psychological pressure during work in the cattle slaughtering areas. These organizational dimensions impact workers' individual and collective activity as well as workplace health. In our view, and corroborating international studies, in addition to the work's physical dimensions, organizational, human, strategic, and pedagogical aspects should be considered in projects involving the implementation of job rotation.

Resumen: La norma brasileña NR-36, específica para industrias de sacrificio y procesamiento de carnes, indica la necesidad de la implantación de rotación de puestos para reducir la exposición de los trabajadores a presiones físicas repetitivas y controladas por máquinas. No obstante, algunos estudios demuestran que los efectos alcanzados con esa implantación son generalmente inferiores a lo esperado, y que sólo la rotación no sería la solución para los problemas de salud en el trabajo. Mediante una investigación empírica en un frigorífico de sacrificio de bovinos, el objetivo de este artículo es presentar y discutir las dimensiones del trabajo real, consideradas relevantes para la salud y seguridad de los trabajadores. Tales dimensiones constituyen elementos importantes que deben ser consideradas en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos. La metodología comprende entrevistas colectivas con 16 trabajadores voluntarios divididos en 4 grupos. Se utilizaron técnicas de grupos focales y confrontación colectiva, valiéndose de grabaciones de la actividad. Los resultados evidencian dimensiones ya conocidas en la literatura, relacionadas con presiones físicas, competencias necesarias, ritmo de trabajo y falta de tiempo para realizar un trabajo de calidad. Aparecen nuevos datos en relación con las prescripciones heterogéneas del trabajo que representan una fuente de presión psíquica en zonas de sacrificio. Estas dimensiones organizativas impactan en la actividad individual y colectiva de los trabajadores, así como la salud en el trabajo. Desde nuestro punto de vista, y corroborando estudios internacionales, además de las dimensiones físicas del trabajo, se deben considerar aspectos organizativos, humanos, estratégicos y pedagógicos en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos.

[Targeting abattoirs to control cystic echinococcosis in Algeria]. / Le ciblage des abattoirs dans la lutte contre l'échinococcose kystique en Algérie.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important anthropozoonotic parasitic common in Algeria. The predominant life cycle of E. granulosus is a synanthropic cycle with domestic dogs as definitive hosts and livestock animals as intermediate hosts. Slaughter activity represents a potential source for dogs to access infected offal. The aim of the present study was to determine if the contact between dogs and potentially infected offal was possible in licensed abattoirs. Eighty-one private and public abattoirs located in eastern Algeria were assessed with respect to their level of protection against the intrusion of dogs.We have demonstrated that in 42 % of these abattoirs, dogs could easily come in contact with potentially parasitized offal. The most common incorrect practices were the dumping of offal freely into the environment, the feeding of dogs with offal, and the leaving of unattended offal in an unsealed chamber. Overall, some hazardous practices remained common customs of workers, and enough abattoirs remain non-compliant that the cattledog domestic cycle of CE is unlikely to be broken. Hence, some recommended measures to interrupt parasite transmission include the following: recognition of the importance of abattoirs in the maintenance of canine echinococcosis, the controlled and proper disposal of offal, the abolishment of the custom of feeding dogs with infected offal and improvements in the level of health education of abattoir staff.