Genetic diversity and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates from slaughtered sheep and goats in Elazig and Bingol provinces of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The cestode Taenia hydatigena uses canids, primarily dogs, as definitive hosts, whereas the metacestode larval stage cysticercus infects a range of intermediate hosts, including domestic animals such as goats, sheep and pigs. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates obtained from sheep and goats slaughtered in the Bingol and Elazig provinces of Turkey. METHODS: C. tenuicollis isolates were collected from 44 sheep and 26 goats slaughtered in slaughterhouses in Bingol and Elazig. After the isolation of total genomic DNA from C. tenuicollis isolates, the genetic characterization of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene region (866 bp) was amplified using specific primers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products were then sequenced, and haplotype and genetic diversity analyses were carried out. RESULTS: As a result of the haplotype network analyses, 34 different haplotypes were detected around the main haplotype (Hap02) arranged in a star-like configuration and separated from other haplotypes by 1-28 mutation steps and covering 22.85% (16/70) of all isolates. Twenty-seven polymorphic fields were detected, 77.77% (21/27) of which were parsimony-informative, and secondary haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed. Additionally, we detected high intraspecies haplotype diversity (hd: 0.933) and high nucleotide diversity (π: 0.00383), with 27 different nucleotide variation positions among the haplotypes of the isolates. Tajima's D value was negative, indicating population expansion and/or selection purification. The significantly negative Fu's Fs values indicated recent population expansion or the presence of expected rare haplotypes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that C. tenuicollis isolates clustered in one lineage and were closely related to the relevant reference sequences in different countries, confirming the circulation of C. tenuicollis in different geographical regions.

Investigation of Salmonella, hepatitis E virus (HEV) and viral indicators of fecal contamination in four Italian pig slaughterhouses, 2021-2022.

In the pork production chain, the control at slaughterhouse aims to ensure safe food thanks to proper hygienic conditions during all steps of the slaughtering. Salmonella is one of the main foodborne pathogens in the EU causing a great number of human cases, and pigs also contribute to its spreading. Pig is the main reservoir of the zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) that can be present in liver, bile, feces and even rarely in blood and muscle. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of both Salmonella and HEV in several points of the slaughtering chain, including pig trucks. Other viruses hosted in the gut flora of pigs and shed in feces were also assayed (porcine adenovirus PAdV, rotavirus, norovirus, and mammalian orthoreovirus MRV). Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) present in both feces, liver and blood was also considered. Four Italian pig abattoirs were sampled in 12 critical points, 5 of which were the outer surface of carcasses before processing. HEV and rotavirus (RVA) were not detected. Norovirus was detected once. Salmonella was detected in two of the 4 abattoirs: in the two lairage pens, in the site of evisceration and on one carcass, indicating the presence of Salmonella if carcass is improper handled. The sampling sites positive for Salmonella were also positive for PAdV. MRV was detected in 10 swabs, from only two abattoirs, mainly in outer surface of carcasses. TTSuV was also detected in all abattoirs. Our study has revealed a diverse group of viruses, each serving as indicator of either fecal (NoV, RVA, PAdV, MRV) or blood contamination (TTSuV). TTSuV could be relevant as blood contamination indicators, crucial for viruses with a viremic stage, such as HEV. The simultaneous presence of PAdV with Salmonella is relevant, suggesting PAdV as a promising indicator for fecal contamination for both bacterial and viruses. In conclusion, even in the absence of HEV, the widespread presence of Salmonella at various points in the chain, underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and mitigation strategies which could be achieved by testing not only bacteria indicators as expected by current regulation, but also some viruses (PAdV, TTSuV, MRV) which could represent other sources of fecal contamination.

Validation of the slaughterhouse porcine heart model for ex-situ heart perfusion studies.

INTRODUCTION: To validate slaughterhouse hearts for ex-situ heart perfusion studies, we compared cold oxygenated machine perfusion in less expensive porcine slaughterhouse hearts (N = 7) to porcine hearts that are harvested following the golden standard in laboratory animals (N = 6). METHODS: All hearts received modified St Thomas 2 crystalloid cardioplegia prior to 4 hours of cold oxygenated machine perfusion. Hearts were perfused with homemade modified Steen heart solution with a perfusion pressure of 20-25 mmHg to achieve a coronary flow between 100-200 mL/min. Reperfusion and testing was performed for 4 hours on a normothermic, oxygenated diluted whole blood loaded heart model. Survival was defined by a cardiac output above 3 L with a mean aortic pressure above 60 mmHg. RESULTS: Both groups showed 100% functional survival, with laboratory hearts displaying superior cardiac function. Both groups showed similar decline in function over time. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the slaughterhouse heart can be used as an alternative to laboratory hearts and provides a cost-effective method for future ex-situ heart perfusion studies.

Suitability of Slaughterhouse-Acquired Pig Eyes as Model Systems for Refractive Ultraviolet and Infrared Femtosecond Laser Research.

PURPOSE: To elucidate whether it is feasible to use porcine eyes from scalded, abattoir-acquired animals for refractive femtosecond laser research. METHODS: An infrared laser (FS 200) and an ultraviolet laser (prototype version) were tested for their applicability on scalded pig eyes. Fifty porcine eyes were divided into two equally-sized groups and assigned to either the infrared or the ultraviolet laser. Both laser groups were comprised of five subgroups of n = 5 eyes each. Group A: non-scalded eyes (negative control); group B: eyes taken from tunnel-scalded animals; group C1: eyes taken from tank-scalded animals without opaque corneal lesion; group C2: eyes taken from animals with opaque corneal lesion; group D: eyes scalded in toto in the laboratory (positive control). In each group the lasers were employed to create a stromal flap. The quality of the laser cuts and the resulting flap beds, as well as of the porcine corneas themselves, was examined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: All scalded specimens exhibited substantial corneal swelling, most pronounced in group C2. After ultraviolet laser application, the tank- and tunnel-scalded samples displayed marked irregularities and an increased degree of surface roughness in the flap beds. After infrared laser application, this was only the case in the tank-scalded specimens. CONCLUSION: It is not recommended to use eyes taken from scalded pigs for ultraviolet femtosecond laser experiments. For infrared femtosecond lasers, eyes taken from tunnel-scalded animals may represent an acceptable alternative, if non-scalded eyes are not available.

Bovine cysticercosis epidemiology and the economic impact of the triceps brachii incision in a South African export abattoir.

Taenia saginata is a zoonotic tapeworm of humans with bovines as its intermediate host (bovine cysticercosis). Traditional meat inspection is the main measure to identify the larval stage in carcasses and prevent human infection, but has a notoriously low sensitivity, especially in low prevalence settings. The legislation in multiple African countries mandates an incision in both triceps brachii muscles to detect the parasite as part of the normal post-mortem inspection, but this has an economic cost and is not universally mandated in other countries. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis at an export abattoir in South Africa and determine the validity and cost of the triceps incision. Risk factors were investigated, and the effect of additional heart incisions on the current inspection. Four incisions were made into the heart in addition to the normal post-mortem inspection in 3353 carcasses. The proportion of positive animals with and without the cardiac and triceps incisions were compared using McNemar's chi-square tests, while risk factors were assessed using binary logistic regression. The economic impact of the triceps incision was estimated using a stochastic economic cost model. Thirty-three positive carcasses were identified for an apparent prevalence of 0.98 % (95 %CI, 0.69-1.36 %), while the true prevalence was estimated at 6.6 % (95 %CI, 4.3-8.8 %). All cysts were confirmed as T. saginata on histopathology with 70 % (95 %CI, 53-83 %) located in the heart. The additional cardiac incisions resulted in the detection of significantly more cases compared to the normal inspection method prevalence of 0.72 % (95 %CI, 0.47-1.05 %; P < 0.001). The apparent prevalence of T. saginata when omitting the triceps incision was not significantly lower compared to the prevalence when included in the inspection (P = 0.480). External feedlots (OR= 4.17, 95 %CI: 2.04-8.54, P < 0.001) and older animals (OR=3.90, 95 %CI: 1.17-13.03, P = 0.027) were associated with a positive detection. The current median annual financial cost to the food business operator from the triceps incision was estimated at $30387 (95 %CI: $0-$130696), with the proportion of deboned meat exported identified as the most important factor affecting cost (Spearman's rho=0.853). The identification of risk factors could aid in the development of a more effective risk-based inspection system. The current inspection should be modified to increase exposure of the heart and remove the triceps incisions. The latter should especially be considered given the minimal contribution to cysticercosis detection, the unsupported requirement for its inclusion specifically in Africa, and its economic impact, especially as beef exports increase.

Assessment of ATP-Bioluminescence and Dipslide Sampling to Determine the Efficacy of Slaughterhouse Cleaning and Disinfection Compared with Total Aerobic and Enterobacterales Counts.

Inadequate cleaning and disinfection (C&D) in slaughterhouses can cause bacterial contamination of meat, resulting in foodborne disease and reduced meat quality. Different methods for monitoring the efficacy of C&D procedures are available, but few studies have assessed their reliability. This study examined C&D efficacy in slaughterhouses and evaluated the diagnostic performance of methods for measuring surface hygiene. One red meat and one poultry slaughterhouse in Sweden were each visited on six occasions before and six occasions after C&D. Sampling points were sampled with: swabbing and plating for total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Enterobacterales (EB); dipslides for total viable count; and ATP-bioluminescence tests. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the dipslide and ATP-bioluminescence methods, the results were compared with (TAB) as a reference. In total, 626 samples were collected. For the majority of samples, TAB was lower after than before C&D and EB were mainly detected before C&D, indicating C&D efficacy. Greater reductions in mean TAB were observed in processing areas (2.2 and 2.8 log CFU/100 cm2 in red meat and poultry slaughterhouse, respectively) than in slaughter areas (1.3 log CFU/100 cm2 in both slaughterhouses). Approximately half of all samples were assessed as non acceptably clean (52% for red meat and 46% for poultry slaughterhouse) according to previously published thresholds. Critical food contact surfaces that were insufficiently cleaned and disinfected were plucking fingers, shackles, and a post-dehairing table. Cleaning and disinfection of drains and floors were inadequate. The ATP-bioluminescence method showed low specificity compared with the reference (TAB) in both the red meat (0.30) and poultry slaughterhouses (0.64). The sensitivity of dipslides was low (0.26) in the red meat slaughterhouse compared with TAB. A combination of ATP-bioluminescence and dipslides could provide more accurate estimates of C&D efficacy.

P15-A112†Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation in porcine cornea.

PURPOSE: Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a frequently used treatment option for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to set up a method to prepare porcine DMEK grafts and to simulate DMEK surgery in porcine eye bulbs in order to establish an ex-vivo-model for laboratory investigations on DMEK surgery conditions. METHODS: Ten (n=10) porcine eye bulbs from domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), between 6 and 8 months old, were recovered at a local slaughterhouse, transported on ice and processed within 2 h after death. Porcine eye bulbs were decontaminated by immersion in 10 mL of 5% povidone-iodine and corneas were dissected under aseptic conditions, leaving approximately 2 mm of the scleral rim. DMEK grafts were prepared by means of mechanical stripping technique using specific surgical instruments for DMEK (Moria, France) on fresh corneas (n=2) and on corneas stored in Eusol-C (AL.CHI.MI.A. Srl, Italy) at 4°C for 7 days (n=4) and for 14 days (n=4). Endothelial cell (EC) density was compared before DMEK-preparation (specular and light microscopy on trypan blue stained tissues) and after DMEK-preparation (fluorescence microscopy on Calcein-AM stained tissues). DMEK graft injection was simulated in anterior chamber of fresh porcine eye bulbs. RESULTS: The porcine DMEK grafts preparation resulted to be more challenging compared to human DMEK grafts. Despite similarity between human and porcine corneas, porcine Descemet membrane (DM) firmly adheres to the underlying stroma. DMEK grafts preparation was not successful at day 0; DMEK preparation was possible by mechanical stripping technique on corneas stored in Eusol-C for 7 and 14 days obtaining naturally rolled endo-out porcine DMEK grafts. An EC mortality increase up to 20% was observed on DMEK graft compared to initial whole corneal tissue. DMEK roll injection was successfully simulated in anterior chamber of the porcine eye bulb. CONCLUSION: Naturally rolled DMEK endo-out grafts were successfully prepared by mechanical stripping technique on porcine corneal tissues stored in Eusol-C at 4°C (up to 14 days). DMEK Surgery including the tissue injection in anterior chamber could be simulated. Further studies will be performed to improve ex-vivo-porcine DMEK surgery model.

Effect of light-touch intervention and associated factors to microbial contamination at small-scale pig slaughterhouses and traditional pork shops in Vietnam.

Traditional pork value chains dominate the production and distribution of pork in Vietnam; however, the high level of microbiological contamination in pork may increase the risk of food-borne disease for consumers. There is limited evidence about how to feasibly and scalably reduce microbial contamination in pork sold in traditional markets. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of light-touch interventions for changing worker behaviour in small-scale slaughterhouses and vendors at traditional pork shops, as well as to identify risk factors for pork contamination. The intervention packages consisted of providing hygiene tools and delivering a food safety training which had been designed in a participatory way and covered 10 small-scale slaughterhouses and 29 pork shops. Pig carcasses, retailed pork, contact surfaces, and hands were sampled to measure the total bacterial count (TBC) and Salmonella contamination before, three and six weeks after the intervention, and trainee practices were observed at the same time. Linear and generalized linear mixed effects models were constructed to identify risk factors for TBC and Salmonella contamination at the slaughterhouses and pork shops. The interventions at slaughterhouses and pork shops both showed a slight reduction of TBC contamination in pig carcasses and Salmonella prevalence in retailed pork, while the TBC in retailed pork decreased only marginally. For slaughterhouses, the regression model indicated that smoking or eating during slaughtering (indicating poor hygienic practices) was associated with TBC increasing, while cleaning floors and wearing boots reduced TBC contamination. For pork shops, using rough materials (cardboard or wood) to display pork was the only factor increasing TBC contamination in pork, whereas cleaning knives was associated with lower TBC. Besides, the presence of supporters and wearing aprons reduced the probability of Salmonella contamination in pork. The findings highlight the effectiveness of light-touch interventions in reducing microbial contamination in pig carcasses at small-scale slaughterhouses and pork at traditional shops over the study period.

Macroscopic sarcocystosis in a pig carcass from an Italian abattoir.

Different food-safety institutions, including the European Food Safety Authority, encourage monitoring and characterising Sarcocystis spp. in animals and foodstuffs; among meat-producing animals, domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) can host two different Sarcocystis spp., that is Sarcocystis miescheriana and the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis. Herein, we report for the first time the presence of macrocysts of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a domestic pig resulting in carcass condemnation. In North-West Italy, in June 2022 the carcass of a clinically healthy sow was condemned due to the detection of multifocal macroscopic whitish fusiform lesions. Affected muscle samples were submitted to histological and molecular analyses targeting the mtDNA cox1 and 18S rRNA genes. At gross examination and histology, well demarcated, oval or elongated macrocysts up to 8 mm in length characterized by a calcified central core surrounded by fibrosis were detected. The molecular amplification and sequencing of the cox1 mtDNA and 18S rRNA genes revealed the presence of Sarcocystis miescheriana DNA in all sampled macrocysts. Our study provides the first molecularly confirmed case of Sarcocystis miescheriana infection in a domestic pig in Italy. The present report highlights the need to increase data related to the occurrence and the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in meat-producing animals, and in wild and domestic pigs in particular, taking into account the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis suihominis and the possible financial losses related to carcass discard due to macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. cysts.

Direct detection of Mycobacterium bovis by a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in cattle samples collected during routine abattoir examination in Malawi.

The lack of quick, accurate, and low-cost detection methods has hindered the active control strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in resource-limited countries with a high burden of disease. We developed a dry loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium bovis, the principal causative agent of bTB, and evaluated the efficacy of the assay using suspected bTB samples collected during routine meat inspection at major regional abattoirs in Malawi. Template genomic DNA was extracted directly from the granulomatous bTB-like lesion (crude extracted DNA), as well as growth from the incubated mycobacterial growth indicator tubes (MGIT). Field results were visualized by the naked eye within 40 min following a color change of the amplified products. The sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay while using 152 DNA samples extracted from MGIT with confirmed M. bovis results were 98% and 88%, respectively. When 43 randomly selected crude DNA samples from lesions were used, the sensitivity and specificity of the dry LAMP assay were 100% and 75%, respectively. Our LAMP assay offers the potential to meet the demands for a low-cost and rapid field detection tool for bTB in resource-limited countries in which bTB is endemic.

Occurrence and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis in cattle slaughtered in the Matabeleland Region, Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis is a neglected disease responsible for millions of infections in both animals and humans. The toll on the global economy is estimated to be in the billions of United States dollars. Although much effort has been made by public health authorities to curb the rise in new infections, the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis is still being noted, especially in low-income countries. This study was conducted in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe to determine the incidence of cystic echinococcosis in bovines. METHODS: Meat inspection records from 2011 through 2021 kept at licensed abattoirs in the Matabeleland region were used to generate annual total figures of bovines slaughtered in the region, together with the corresponding number of organs condemned due to cystic echinococcosis. Descriptive statistics showing the overall incidence in each year, incidence per district, and cysts in infected organs were expressed as a percentage of the total number of cattle slaughtered per category. RESULTS: Bulawayo had the highest occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (1.359%, 95% CI, 1.254-1.412), followed by Matabeleland South (0.914%, 95% CI, 0.886-0.929) and then Matabeleland North (0.848%, 95% CI 0.818-0.863) provinces. The Bulilima, Bulawayo, and Bubi districts had the highest occurrences of cystic echinococcosis at 1.749%, 1.358%, and 1.286%, respectively. The lung was the most frequently affected organ (n = 7155; at 0.854%; and 95% CI, 0.8334-0.874%, followed by the liver (0.053%; 95% CI, 0.048-0.058%). The total direct economic loss due to organ condemnation during the study period was US$ 24,812.43.

Pre-slaughter, slaughter and post-slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers in Southeast, Nigeria: Animal welfare, meat quality, food safety and public health implications.

BACKGROUND: Pre-slaughter stress or the welfare condition of food-producing animals (FPAs) and the slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) are critically important for the safety and quality of meats processed in slaughterhouses (SHs). Consequently, this study determined the pre-slaughter, slaughter, and post-slaughter (PSP) practices of SHWsin four SHs in Southeast, Nigeria; and discussed the impacts on meat quality and safety. METHODS: The PSP practices were determined by observation method. Additionally, a structured and validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge of the SHWs on: the effects of poor welfare (preslaughter stress) on the quality and safety of meats produced, carcass/meat processing practices and modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during carcass/meat processing. Finally, a systematic post-mortem inspection (PMI) was conducted on cattle, pigs and goats slaughtered, and economic losses accruable from condemned carcasses/meats were estimated. RESULTS: Food-producing animals were transported to the SHs or held in the lairage under inhumane conditions. A pig being conveyed to one of the SHs was seen gasping for air, as it was firmly tied on motorbike at the thoracic and abdominal regions. Fatigued cattle were forcefully dragged on the ground from the lairage to the killing floor. Cattle for slaughter were restrained, held in lateral recumbency and left groaning, due to extreme discomfort, for about one hour before slaughter. Stunning was not performed. Singed pig carcasses were dragged on the ground to the washing point. Although more than 50% of the respondents knew the modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during meat processing, 71.3% of the SHWs processed carcasses on bare floor, 52.2% used same bowl of water to wash multiple carcasses while 72% did not wear personal protective equipment during meat/carcass processing. Processed meats were transported to meat shops in an unsanitary conditions, using open vans and tricycles. During the PMI, diseased carcasses/meats/organs were detected in 5.7% (83/1452), 2.1% (21/1006) and 0.8% (7/924) of the cattle, pig and goat carcasses inspected, respectively. Gross lesions pathognomonic of bovine tuberculosis, contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia, fascioliasis and porcine cysticercosis were detected. Consequently, 391,089.2 kg of diseased meat/organs valued at 978 million Naira (235, 030 USD) were condemned. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) between educational level and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during slaughterhouse operations and knowledge that FPAs can harbour zoonotic pathogens (p = < 0.001) transmissible during carcass processing. Similarly, significant association was observed between working experience and use of PPE; and between geographical location of the respondents and knowledge that zoonotic pathogens in animals are transmissible during carcass processing or via the food chain. CONCLUSION: The findings show that slaughter practices of SHWs have detrimental impacts on the quality and safety of meats processed for human consumption in Southeast, Nigeria. These findings underscore the need to: improve the welfare condition of slaughter-animals, mechanise abattoir operations, train and retrain the SHWs on hygienic carcass/meat processing practices. There is a need to adopt strict enforcement of food safety laws to promote meat quality, food safety and consequently promote the health of the public.

Valorization of Chicken Slaughterhouse Byproducts to Obtain Antihypertensive Peptides.

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide and the main preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, there is a current need for new therapeutics to manage this condition. In this regard, protein hydrolysates containing antihypertensive bioactive peptides are of increasing interest. Thus, agri-food industry byproducts have emerged as a valuable source to obtain these hydrolysates as they are rich in proteins and inexpensive. Among these, byproducts from animal origin stand out as they are abundantly generated worldwide. Hence, this review is focused on evaluating the potential role of chicken slaughterhouse byproducts as a source of peptides for managing HTN. Several of these byproducts such as blood, bones, skins, and especially, chicken feet have been used to obtain protein hydrolysates with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity and blood pressure-lowering effects. An increase in levels of endogenous antioxidant compounds, a reduction in ACE activity, and an improvement of HTN-associated endothelial dysfunction were the mechanisms underlying their effects. However, most of these studies were carried out in animal models, and further clinical studies are needed in order to confirm these antihypertensive properties. This would increase the value of these byproducts, contributing to the circular economy model of slaughterhouses.

Resistance profile and biofilm production capacity of Staphylococcus spp. beef slaughterhouse isolates and their sensitivity to Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil.

Microorganisms can interfere with meat quality, being a public health problem. The aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from utensils of a bovine slaughterhouse and to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary). Samples of surfaces and utensils used during slaughter in the northwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil were collected. After isolation and differentiation of the isolates by the coagulase test, the antimicrobial susceptibility test, Staphylococcus aureus identification and mecA gene research were performed. The study for biofilm production was carried out by the method of adhesion in borosilicate tube and by adhesion in polystyrene plate. Subsequently, the inhibitory activity of the R. officinalis essential oil and its ability to inhibit biofilm were investigated. Twenty-two of the samples collected were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and five as coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. There was resistance to all antibiotics tested, with clindamycin (33.33%) and rifampicin (29.6%) showing the highest rate. None of the samples was confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus or for the presence of the mecA resistance gene. The essential oil inhibited the growth of 48% of the isolates at a concentration of 16,000 µg/mL. Of these isolates, 33% were positive for biofilm production and this biofilm was also inhibited by the essential oil. This work revealed that multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus and biofilm producers are present in the slaughter environment and are susceptible to the essential oil of R. officinalis.

Prevalence and Economic Significance of Hidatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at an Abattoir in Konya, Turkey

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the period prevalence of hydatid cysts isolated from the livers of cattle slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in Konya. Methods: For this purpose, 49,545 cattle were slaughtered and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in the liver. The study was conducted between June 01, 2018, and May 31, 2019. Results: The highest prevalence of hydatid cysts was observed in autumn 10.83% followed by spring 4.41%, winter 2.90%, and summer 2.66%, with an overall prevalence of 3.93%. Considering the month wise prevalence of hydatid cyst, the highest infection rate was detected in September (7.87%), June (7.16%) and August (7.14%), while the lowest prevalence was observed in February (2.72%) and January (2.83%). In gender-wise investigation, highest prevalence was observed in females (24.65%) during the summer and 18.45% inthe spring. In male animals, the infection rate was very low compared with females. However, the highest prevalence in males was observed throughout the year in autumn (2.36%) and the lowest prevalence in winter (1.68%). The highest prevalence was found among female cattle in heifers in winter (6.52%) and cows in summer (27.52%). Conclusion: The overall economic losses of 56,434 USD were estimated due to discarded hydatid cyst-infected livers during the study period. This study enlightens the prevalence and economic significance of hydatidosis in Konya.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and characterization of the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from slaughtered cattle in Rwanda.

BACKGROUND: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic disease in Rwanda, but little is known about its prevalence and causative mycobacterial species. The disease causes tremendous losses in livestock and wildlife and remains a significant threat to public health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study employing a systematic random sampling of cattle (n = 300) with the collection of retropharyngeal lymph nodes and tonsils (n = 300) irrespective of granulomatous lesions was carried out in six abattoirs to investigate the prevalence and identify mycobacterial species using culture, acid-fast bacteria staining, polymerase chain reaction, and GeneXpert assay. Individual risk factors and the origin of samples were analysed for association with the prevalence. FINDINGS: Of the 300 sample pools, six were collected with visible TB-like lesions. Our findings demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in 1.7% (5/300) of sampled slaughtered cattle. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from 1.3% (4/300) animals while one case was caused by a rifampicin-resistant (RR) M. tuberculosis. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were identified in 12.0% (36/300) of the sampled cattle. There were no significant associations between the prevalence and abattoir category, age, sex, and breeds of slaughtered cattle. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first in Rwanda to isolate both M. bovis and RR M. tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle indicating that bTB is present in Rwanda with a low prevalence. The isolation of RR M. tuberculosis from cattle indicates possible zooanthroponotic transmission of M. tuberculosis and close human-cattle contact. To protect humans against occupational zoonotic diseases, it is essential to control bTB in cattle and raise the awareness among all occupational groups as well as reinforce biosafety at the farm level and in the abattoirs.

A European survey on post-mortem inspection of finishing pigs: Total condemnation criteria to declare meat unfit for human consumption.

Meat inspection (MI) is essential to verify compliance with legal requirements related to human and animal health and animal welfare protections. Judgement criteria applied during MI, resulting in condemnation data of importance, among other things, for livestock producers and for benchmarking reasons. However, although the Meat Inspection Regulation sets out judgement criteria, most are generic, favouring flexibility, but also subjectivity. To address the degree of variation on total condemnation (TC) criteria applied during post-mortem inspection (PMI) of finishing pigs, an online survey was prepared aiming to collect this information from several European countries. The focus was on TC criteria regarding the following PMI findings: abscesses, arthritis, cachexia, erysipelas, icterus, Mycobacterium-like lesions, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, pleuritis and pneumonia. From September to November 2020, a total of 44 completed questionnaires were obtained from 26 European countries. The results showed a substantial variation in the TC criteria in place in the participating countries. One of the main reasons for the variability seen in the respondents' reported answers was related to the indicators used to define a generalised condition related to the 10 PMI findings addressed, making harmonisation a challenge and avoiding to draw conclusions when comparing condemnation causes between abattoirs. This implies that it would make sense to look into how a generalised condition can be identified/described and how it should be judged. The results should be used as inspiration towards possible harmonisation, improving decision-making, and permitting comparative analysis between different reports to allow trend analyses and benchmarking.

The effects of electrical stunning on the nervous activity and physiological stress response of a commercially important decapod crustacean, the brown crab Cancer pagurus L.

Increasing attention is being paid to the welfare of decapod crustaceans. Legislation exists for their humane slaughter in several countries and this is being debated in others. Electrical stunning may have potential for humane slaughter of crustaceans in some circumstances, although scientific data on the effectiveness of electrical stunning when applied to various species are limited. Assessment criteria for effective stunning have so far been based mainly on behavioural assessments, but these do not always reflect neural insensibility. In this study direct recordings of neural activity, both centrally and peripherally, have been used to provide more direct measures of the state of sensibility. We have also examined whether electrical stunning acts as a physiological stressor, using measures of haemolymph L-lactate. Experiments were performed on a commercially important decapod species, the brown crab Cancer pagurus L. Spontaneous activity within the CNS was arrested by electrical stunning, which is an indication of loss of sensibility. There were also specific effects on the peripheral nervous system, with loss of responsiveness to sensory stimulation, rendering the animals unresponsive to external stimuli, and a failure of motor activation. All these effects were apparent immediately after a 10s stun, and persisted for as long as tested (4h) indicating that the animals were also killed by the procedure. No autotomy of limbs occurred. Haemolymph L-lactate was found to be no greater following electrical stunning than after handling and sampling alone, and both were significantly lower than values reached in a range of environmental and commercial situations. For all these reasons we find that electrical stunning may meet criteria for humane slaughter of C. pagurus.

Establishing an economical and widely accessible donation after circulatory death animal abattoir model for lung research using ex vivo lung perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), is a platform that allows simultaneous testing and treatment of the lungs. However, use of EVLP is costly and requires access to lab animals and accompanying facilities. To increase the use of EVLP for research, we developed a method to perform EVLP using abattoir procured lungs. Furthermore, we were also able to significantly decrease costs. METHODS: Six pair of lungs were procured from abattoir sheep. The lungs were then flushed and stored in ice for 3 h. A low-flow (20% of cardiac output) approach, a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg bodyweight and total perfusion time of 3 h were chosen. Perfusion fluids and circuits were self-made. Lung biopsies, perfusate collection, respiratory values, circulatory pressures were recorded and hourly blood gas analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean pO2 remained stable from 60 min (49.3 ± 7.1 kPa) to 180 min (51.5 kPa ± 8.0), p = 0.66. Pulmonary artery pressure remained ≤15 mm Hg and the left atrial pressure remained between 3 and 5 mm Hg and peak respiratory pressures ≤20 cmH2 O. Lactate dehydrogenase increased from start (96.3 ± 56.4 U/L) to the end of perfusion (315.8 ± 85.0 U/L), p < 0.05. No difference was observed in ATP between procurement and post-EVLP, 129.7 ± 37.4 µmol/g protein to 132.0 ± 23.4 µmol/g, p = 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: Sheep lungs, acquired from an abattoir, can be ex vivo perfused under similar conditions as lab animal lungs with similar results regarding e.g., oxygenation and ATP restoration. Furthermore, costs can be significantly reduced by making use of this abattoir model. By increasing accessibility and lowering costs for experiments using lung perfusion, more results may be achieved in the field of lung diseases.

Levantamento de dados de condenações pulmonares por aspiração de sangue em abate de suínos sob o Serviço de Inspeção Estadual da Bahia entre os anos de 2018 a 2020 / Data Survey on pulmonary condemnatios for blood aspiration in swine slaughter under the Bahia State, Brazil Inspection Service from 2018 to 2020

O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever os dados das condenações de pulmões por aspiração de sangue em abate de suínos do estado da Bahia, no período de janeiro de 2018 a outubro de 2020, em abatedouros sob fiscalização do Serviço de Inspeção Estadual (SIE). A coleta retrospectiva foi facilitada pela Agência de Defesa Agropecuária da Bahia (ADAB), através da Guia de Trânsito Animal (GTA), e foram coletados dados de 255.834 suínos abatidos em matadouros frigoríficos, localizados em oito municípios. Nos anos de 2018 e 2019, a aspiração de sangue foi a lesão mais encontrada. Em 2018, foram 15,45% (1131/7322) das alterações macroscópicas e 36,48% (1131/3100) das condenações pulmonares, e em 2019, foram 14,75% (1053/7138) e 36,20% (1053/2909), respectivamente. A congestão foi a lesão mais encontrada em 2020, mas não houve diferença considerável com a aspiração de sangue, que foi destaque das condenações pulmonares, com 38,07% (712/1870). Estes dados revelam a frequência de condenação por aspiração de sangue no estado da Bahia e sugerem implementação de treinamentos de manejo não violento para os funcionários dos abatedouros frigoríficos, visto que esse tipo de lesão indica estresse e uma tecnopatia associada à falha na insensibilização e sangria, em razão do animal agonizar enquanto tenta respirar após a incisão no pescoço.

This study aims to analyze data on lung condemnations for blood aspiration in pig slaughter in the state of Bahia, Brazil from january 2018 to october 2020, in slaughterhouses under supervision of the State Inspection Service (SIE). The retrospective collection was facilitated by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Bahia (ADAB), through the Animal Transit Guide (GTA), and data were collected from 255,834 pigs slaughtered in slaughter houses located in eight municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, blood aspiration was the most common lesion. In 2018, it was 15,45% (1131/7322) of macroscopic changes and 36,48% (1131/3100) of lung condemnations, and in 2019, it was 14,75% (1053/7138) and 36,20% (1053/2909), respectively. Congestion was the most common lesion found in 2020, but there was no considerable difference with blood aspiration, which was highlighted in pulmonary condemnations, with 38,07% (712/1870). These data reveal the frequency of condemnations for blood aspiration in the state of Bahia, Brazil and suggest the implementation of training in non-violent management for employees of slaughterhouses, as this type of injury indicates stress and a technopathy as sociated with failure in stunning and bleeding, because the animal agonizes while trying to breathe after the neck incision