Exploring potential risk pathways with high risk groups for urban Rift Valley fever virus introduction, transmission, and persistence in two urban centers of Kenya.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus that has profound impact on domestic ruminants and can also be transmitted to humans via infected animal secretions. Urban areas in endemic regions across Africa have susceptible animal and human hosts, dense vector distributions, and source livestock (often from high risk locations to meet the demand for animal protein). Yet, there has never been a documented urban outbreak of RVF. To understand the likely risk of RVFV introduction to urban communities from their perspective and guide future initiatives, we conducted focus group discussions with slaughterhouse workers, slaughterhouse animal product traders, and livestock owners in Kisumu City and Ukunda Town in Kenya. For added perspective and data triangulation, in-depth interviews were conducted one-on-one with meat inspector veterinarians from selected slaughterhouses. A theoretical framework relevant to introduction, transmission, and potential persistence of RVF in urban areas is presented here. Urban livestock were primarily mentioned as business opportunities, but also had personal sentiment. In addition to slaughtering risks, perceived risk factors included consumption of fresh milk. High risk groups' knowledge and experience with RVFV and other zoonotic diseases impacted their consideration of personal risk, with consensus towards lower risk in the urban setting compared to rural areas as determination of health risk was said to primarily rely on hygiene practices rather than the slaughtering process. Groups relied heavily on veterinarians to confirm animal health and meat safety, yet veterinarians reported difficulty in accessing RVFV diagnostics. We also identified vulnerable public health regulations including corruption in meat certification outside of the slaughterhouse system, and blood collected during slaughter being used for food and medicine, which could provide a means for direct RVFV community transmission. These factors, when compounded by diverse urban vector breeding habitats and dense human and animal populations, could create suitable conditions for RVFV to arrive an urban center via a viremic imported animal, transmit to locally owned animals and humans, and potentially adapt to secondary vectors and persist in the urban setting. This explorative qualitative study proposes risk pathways and provides initial insight towards determining how urban areas could adapt control measures and plan future initiatives to better understand urban RVF potential.

Enhancing the value of meat inspection records for broiler health and welfare surveillance: longitudinal detection of relational patterns.

BACKGROUND: Abattoir data are under-used for surveillance. Nationwide surveillance could benefit from using data on meat inspection findings, but several limitations need to be overcome. At the producer level, interpretation of meat inspection findings is a notable opportunity for surveillance with relevance to animal health and welfare. In this study, we propose that discovery and monitoring of relational patterns between condemnation conditions co-present in broiler batches at meat inspection can provide valuable information for surveillance of farmed animal health and welfare. RESULTS: Great Britain (GB)-based integrator meat inspection records for 14,045 broiler batches slaughtered in nine, four monthly intervals were assessed for the presence of surveillance indicators relevant to broiler health and welfare. K-means and correlation-based hierarchical clustering, and association rules analyses were performed to identify relational patterns in the data. Incidence of condemnation showed seasonal and temporal variation, which was detected by association rules analysis. Syndrome-related and non-specific relational patterns were detected in some months of meat inspection records. A potentially syndromic cluster was identified in May 2016 consisting of infection-related conditions: pericarditis, perihepatitis, peritonitis, and abnormal colour. Non-specific trends were identified in some months as an unusual combination of condemnation reasons in broiler batches. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the detection of relational patterns in meat inspection records could provide producer-level surveillance indicators with relevance to broiler chicken health and welfare.

The multivariate approach identifies relationships between pre-slaughter factors, body lesions, ham defects and carcass traits in pigs.

Abattoir meat inspection has been proposed for the collection of welfare outcomes. The identification of suitable animal-based measures (ABM) is still a critical point that needs to be implemented to avoid collinearity among measures. The present study aims to benchmark the presence of ABM such as skin and tail lesions and ham defects in carcasses from 79 batches of Italian Heavy pigs and to identify possible relationships between the assessed ABM and pre-slaughter factors such as the season and the overnight lairage. Furthermore, the study also considers the effect of pre-slaughter conditions and ABM on carcass traits parameters (cold carcass weight and lean meat percentage). Skin and tail lesions were recorded at the slaughter line. The presence of abscesses, muscle tears and veining defects were assessed in the hams at trimming, according to the Parma Ham Consortium. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify relationships between ABM and pre-slaughter factor; therefore, a linear model was built to assess the effect on carcass weight and lean meat percentage. Main welfare issues were represented by skin and tail lesions and muscle tears (prevalence above 10%). Multivariate analysis evidenced that skin lesions and veining defects were mostly associated with the warm season. Abscesses and muscle tears in the hams were more likely related to overnight lairage, while tail lesions contributed equally to both season and lairage. Moreover, lairage related factors showed to affect lean meat percentage. The findings of the present study suggest that ham defects might be useful indicators of pre-slaughter stress. The validation of these findings with physiological parameters could be of interest for further studies.

Associations between animal-based measures at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk in turkey toms (Meleagris gallopavo).

To monitor animal welfare on a commercial scale, systematic collection and evaluation of slaughterhouse data is the most feasible method. However, we need to know whether slaughterhouse data retrospectively and reliably reflect information about the birds' welfare on-farm. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate associations between animal-based welfare measures in flocks of turkey toms at 11 wk of age recorded with the transect walk and slaughter data at 20 wk of age. A total of 20 commercial flocks of turkey toms were visited, where an observer walked the transects in a random order and recorded the total number of birds per transect that were immobile, lame, with visible head, tail, or wing wounds, small, featherless, dirty, sick, terminal, or dead. Slaughterhouse data were provided for each flock. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between on-farm and slaughterhouse measures. Increased prevalence of immobile toms at week 11 resulted in more birds rejected at slaughter owing to leg issues (P = 0.02) and airsacculitis (P < 0.001). More lame birds on-farm were associated with an overall higher rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.001). Flocks with more featherless birds had significantly more birds being rejected at slaughter owing to skin issues (P = 0.02). More dirty birds at week 11 resulted in more birds being rejected owing to airsacculitis at slaughter (P < 0.001). A higher mortality on-farm was associated with more birds rejected for being too small (P = 0.04). In conclusion, significant associations between animal-based measures of turkey toms as assessed by the transect walk method on-farm at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk were identified.

Higher line speed in young chicken slaughter establishments does not predict increased Salmonella contamination risks.

Do faster slaughter line speeds for young chickens increase risk of Salmonella contamination? We analyze data collected in 2018-2019 from 97 slaughter establishments processing young chickens to examine the extent to which differences in slaughter line speeds across establishments operating under the same inspection system explain observed differences in their microbial quality, specifically frequencies of positive Salmonella samples. A variety of off-the-shelf statistical and machine learning techniques applied to the data to identify and visualize correlations and potential causal relationships among variables showed that the presence of Salmonella or other indicators of process control, such as noncompliance records for regulations associated with process control and food safety, are not significantly increased in establishments with higher line speeds (e.g., above 140 birds per min) compared with establishments with lower line speeds when establishments are operating under the conditions present in this study. This included some establishments operating under specific criteria to obtain a waiver for line speed. A null hypothesis advanced over 30 yr ago by the National Research Council that increased line speeds result in a product that is not contaminated more often than before line speeds were increased, appears to be fully consistent with these recent data.

The animal sacrifice-public health nexus in Nepal.

Participants in religious festivals have practiced animal sacrifice as a core part of Hinduism for hundreds of years-at a small scale by individuals and at large scale at major festivals. Butchers frequently perform sacrificial slaughter openly, in sight and sound of other animals with little or no guidance from or adherence to hygienic standards, which are poor or non-existent. One Health principles could guide development of interventions to protect human and animal health and welfare from these practices, but this concept is poorly understood in Nepal. Animal welfare organizations and international outcry have prompted some action through the Supreme Court, but the result fell short of a ban and little has been done in the face of religious considerations. Public health agencies and policymakers must act to implement effective regulations and enforce laws to prevent the human, animal, and environmental health risks surrounding these inhumane and unhygienic practices in order to ensure the protection of animal welfare and public health.

Campylobacter contamination of broilers: the role of transport and slaughterhouse.

Campylobacter is one of the most important causative agents of foodborne illnesses worldwide. The poultry reservoir is the main source of Campylobacter. Within the broiler production chain, campylobacters can only multiply in the chicken's intestinal tract. Intervention at farm level to reduce Campylobacter is thus preferred, but despite extensive study, no highly effective solutions have been found to combat Campylobacter at farm level. Slaughterhouses are experiencing great pressure to deliver carcasses with low Campylobacter contamination even when they receive and slaughter Campylobacter colonized flocks. Since 2018, a process hygiene criterion (EU 2017/1495) with the critical limit of <1000 cfu/g neck skin has been implemented in EU Member States based on the calculation done at the time of the study that human campylobacteriosis cases could be halved if all carcasses would comply with a criterion of <1000 cfu/g neck skin. This review covers Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses from transport through the different slaughter steps. Possible intervention methods during slaughter are discussed with a focus on the European situation, where chemicals are not allowed to disinfect carcasses.

Animal welfare in the U.S. slaughter industry-a focus on fed cattle.

Animal welfare within the U.S. slaughter industry continues to prevail as one of the top priorities for livestock producers, businesses, and consumers alike. There are federal regulations that enforce the humane transport, handling, and slaughter of cattle. The journey that cattle must make to the slaughter facility is comprised of many environmental and human factors that can positively or negatively affect animal welfare. Cattle may be exposed to multiple stressors, such as noise, unfamiliar animals and humans, temperature extremes, temporary food/water deprivation, variable transport distances and experiences, and new pen conditions. The animal caretakers involved in these processes attempt to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals, but research is needed to focus on the gaps in knowledge and to support the implementation of strategies known to enhance the human-animal interactions that occur from farm to slaughter. This literature review will provide a summary of fed cattle welfare topics, research, and industry tools that span across the beef animal's journey from the farm/feedlot through the slaughter process. In addition, areas that have had little research focus are identified to highlight the need for future work and development of industry tools. Some of these topics include examining trailer design, the use of trailer slats during weather extremes, the welfare aspects of cattle destined for salvage slaughter, multiple preslaughter factors and interactions, abnormal mobility and nonambulatory cattle, lairage environmental conditions, new stunning methods, and the impact of a well-trained, motivated, and stable workforce on cattle and people welfare. The authors conducted a survey at the 2019 North American Meat Institute Animal Care and Handling Conference, which comprised of stakeholders within the meat packing industry, packing plant employees, and food company employees, educators, and auditors. The survey responses identified training/education and communication as areas of need in animal welfare, whereas the majority of survey responses focused on the aspects of the human-animal interaction as the top challenges for the industry. By continuously identifying, measuring, monitoring, and managing animal welfare challenges within the beef cattle slaughter industry, prioritization and execution of programs and training that improve the welfare of cattle can be achieved as animals move through this final stage of the meat production system.

Compliance with OIE animal welfare standards in slaughterhouses in Tehran Province, Iran: An introductory survey.

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recommends member countries to comply with global standards of animal welfare. The present study was conducted to reveal the compliance of animal welfare standards in slaughterhouses in Tehran province (Iran). The following three major parameters were evaluated through direct observation, study of plant records, and interviewing slaughterhouse staff across all 14 operative animal slaughterhouses in Tehran province: (1) employing trained and committed workers; (2) appropriate environment and proper design parameter; and (3) proper construction, equipment, and tools. Only 30% of modern slaughterhouses employed trained personnel for handling livestock in an appropriate way, which reaches zero for traditional slaughterhouses. Regarding electrical stunning application for sheep, animal welfare quality was significantly greater in modern slaughterhouses than in the traditional ones (P < 0.05). Out of nine slaughterhouses with unloading platforms and animal lairage, 55% and 35.7% were found to comply with standards, respectively. Concerning lairage parameters and entrance hall, modern plants stood higher compared to traditional slaughterhouses (P > 0.05). It is recommended training courses for involved veterinarians and slaughterhouse staff along with upgrading slaughterhouse construction.

Analysis of Non-conformities in Road Transport of Animals in Poland.

The paper presents the results of analysis of inspections of animal transport vehicles in Poland in 2007-2016. Due to animal welfare and the increased epidemiological risk the animal control system included the points of carriage provided for in the animal carriage law, i.e., during transport, at the sites of shipment, sites of rest, at destination points as well as at fairs and purchase points. The largest number of non-conformities were revealed at destination points (slaughterhouses), where the highest number of inspections were carried out. Inspections were conducted by veterinary inspectors and non-conformities were mainly related to animal health, documentation, transport practices and vehicles. The calculation of non-conformity rates enabled the evaluation of the condition of the inspected means of transport in the aspect of animal welfare. In addition, number of inspections, number of detected non-conformities and the non-conformity rates calculated for Poland were compared with the values for selected countries neighboring Poland (the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Germany).

Animal-Based Welfare Assessment of Cattle and Water Buffalo in Bangladeshi Slaughterhouses.

This study quantified the welfare of 423 cattle and water buffalo in four Bangladeshi slaughterhouses to identify facility and species-specific factors that influence welfare. The majority of animals arrived at the slaughterhouse with injuries, signs of dehydration and oculo-nasal discharge. During slaughter, buffalo experienced more stabbing at the throat (21%), compared to local cattle (10%, P = 0.011), and significantly more cuts to the neck during slaughter (5.1 ± 1) than Hariana (3.9 ± 1) or local cattle (3.6 ± 1.1; P < 0.001). These results indicated that welfare compromise is common to all species, but that the risk to buffalo was greater. Partial severing of carotid arteries was common and affected time to unconsciousness. There was a statistical interaction between facility and species on the time taken for animals to reach unconsciousness, suggesting that welfare within a location could be improved; however, animal welfare was compromised at all facilities. Immediate welfare improvements could be made by training for effective halal slaughter, and future welfare improvements could be gained by improved facility infrastructure for restraint and halal approved pre-slaughter stunning.

Cattle and sheep farmers' opinions on the provision and use of abattoir rejection data in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Communication between farmers and veterinary surgeons is reported to differ when involving abattoir rejection data on cattle or sheep. METHODS: Using surveys, distributed online and on paper at livestock markets, this study describes the interest and positive opinion of a sample of UK cattle and sheep farmers in receiving abattoir data. RESULTS: Forty-nine per cent of respondents always received abattoir data (n=37/76). Over 80 per cent of respondents were interested in all suggested rejection conditions and particularly liver fluke and respiratory conditions. Eighty-two per cent of farmers were willing to share data with their veterinary surgeon as the information could be used to inform health plans. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that having an accurate and consistent data system, which is easily accessible to farmers and veterinary surgeons, appears an essential next step to improve the use of existing abattoir data and enhance animal health, welfare and production.

Effects of power station and abattoir on PAH input into sediments of Oji River: ecological and human health exposure risks.

This study investigated the concentration and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of Oji River due to point sources of pollution from abattoir and power plant and determined the ecological and human health risks associated with the PAHs in the sediments. Oji River in Nigeria receives contaminants from anthropogenic activities relating to waste tires used in singeing cow meats in abattoir and preparing hides and skin for local consumption. It also receives contaminants from power distribution station where the defunct coal power plant used to be situated. These activities have the potential to release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that could accumulate in the river sediments. The PAHs were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study found that the abattoir is responsible for the occurrence of benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene in the sediments around the abattoir. The occurrence and distribution of PAHs around the area affected by the power station was profound as among all the 16 priority PAHs; only naphthalene benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were not detected. The five-member ring PAHs were predominant in this section of the river affected by power station. Ecological risks of the PAHs due to the effects of the power station are significant. The total toxicity equivalence (TEQ) of the PAHs upstream the abattoir is insignificant but significant around the abattoir and within the area impacted by the power station. The values of the hazard index (HI) and risk index (RI) indicate insignificant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks in all the locations except the area within the influence of the power station where there are insignificant non-carcinogenic risks but significant carcinogenic risks.

Pork quality after electrical or carbon dioxide stunning at slaughter.

A total of 172 pigs were randomly allocated to two stunning treatments: carbon dioxide (CO2) and electrical stunning at a commercial abattoir. The Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was used to evaluate the effects of stunning methods on pork quality and financial losses of carcasses and viscera condemnation was also determined following by sanitary inspection. There was no effect due to stunning method on quality parameters (P > .137) of pH 24, drip or thaw loss, lipid oxidation, myofibrillar fragmentation index, shear force or PSE / DFD meat incidence. The LL muscle of the electrically stunned pigs had a higher L * value (P < .05), higher cooking loss (P < .001) and lower pH 45 (P < .05) compared to those stunned with CO2. CO2 stunned pigs had fewer carcasses condemned due to fractures / lesions (P < .05), hepatic and renal congestion (P < .05). CO2 stunning can be beneficial from an economic point of view because it has reduced losses through condemnation at the slaughterhouse.

Avaliação dos efeitos do manejo pré-abate e da distância de transporte sobre parâmetros post-mortem em bovinos / Evaluation of the effects of pre-slaughter management and transportation distance on parameters post-mortem in bovine

Nos últimos anos as autoridades veterinárias nacionais e internacionais têm se preocupado com as condições em que os bovinos são transportados e o manejo que recebem até o abate, bem como com os prejuízos acarretados à toda a cadeia produtiva da carne e a necessidade de obtenção de produtos e com características sensoriais desejáveis. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar fatores pré-abate que podem influenciar em parâmetros de qualidade da carne. Em um abatedouro-frigorífico de bovinos em Mato Grosso foram feitas avaliações do manejo pré-abate de animais sãos, com idade média de 25 a 36 meses, todos criados sob sistema extensivo e submetidos por 12 a 24 horas de descanso, jejum e dieta hídrica. Os resultados obtidos nos possibilitaram detectar índices de 7% de escorregões, 3% de quedas, 11% de vocalizações e 12% de falha no atordoamento, ou seja, todos fora dos padrões aceitáveis e estabelecidos pela literatura, demonstrando que o manejo pré-abate neste estabelecimento foi ineficiente. Foram também contabilizadas contusões em geral das carcaças e seus respectivos pH's, onde dos 204 animais avaliados ante-mortem quanto à distância de transporte,119 (58,33%) apresentaram algum tipo de lesão, sendo as regiões mais acometidas o traseiro, seguido do dianteiro e da ponta de agulha. Já com relação ao pH, os animais provenientes das maiores distâncias de transporte apresentaram o maior índice de alteração (42,64%). Podemos concluir que as práticas de Bem-Estar animal poderiam reduzir os prejuízos ocasionados pelo manejo inadequado no estabelecimento, reduzindo os prejuízos decorrentes das condenações das carcaças e/ou suas partes alteradas, com maior oferta de produtos ao consumidor.

Evolution of Campylobacter jejuni of poultry origin in Brazil.

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common pathogen associated with foodborne diseases. Persistent presence of this pathogen contaminating the environment in slaughterhouses and chicken products have been reported worldwide. Although many efforts have been employed for reducing C. jejuni contamination, few studies have been conducted to understand the dynamics of C. jejuni in slaughterhouses over time. In this study, we evaluated the virulence, antibiotic resistance and genetic diversity profiles of 99 C. jejuni isolated from chilled chicken carcasses collected in Brazilian slaughterhouses during two distinct periods (2011-2012 and 2015-2016). The virulence profile was evaluated for the presence of flaA, ciaB, cadF, pldA and cdtABC genes. Antibiotic resistance was evaluated for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, gentamicin, erythromycin and tetracycline. Genetic diversity was assessed using RAPD-PCR. The prevalence of C. jejuni was significantly reduced in 2015-2016 as well the number of antibiotic (and multidrug) resistant isolates, except for tetracycline. However, isolates from 2015 to 2016 showed higher prevalence of multiple virulence genes and genetic diversity profile compared to isolates from 2011 to 2012. During the studied period, stricter regulations to control pathogens in poultry farms and slaughterhouses were implemented in Brazil, which may have contributed to the profile variation observed due to changes of selective pressures on bacterial populations.

Sequential Transmission of Salmonella in the Slaughtering Process of Chicken in Korea.

Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide. Salmonella infections in humans are mainly associated with consumption of poultry products contaminated with this foodborne pathogen. Therefore, strict sanitary measures are necessary to control Salmonella contamination during the slaughtering process of poultry. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and transmission of Salmonella at a series of steps in the slaughtering process of chicken. A total of 601 samples were collected from a series of slaughtering steps (10 sampling sites) of 26 chicken slaughterhouses throughout Korea. Salmonella was isolated from samples and its distribution was analyzed along the slaughtering process. Isolates from each sampling site were tested for susceptibility to 15 antibiotics by the broth microdilution method. They were also genotypically characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Salmonela was isolated from 168 out of 601 samples. Sixteen serotypes were identified while six isolates were untypable. Salmonella enterica serovars Montevideo (n = 29) and Virchow (n = 27) were the most common serotypes out of 119 nonredundant isolates. Relatively high contamination rates of Salmonella were found in shackles (75.0%), feathers near plucking machine (68.5%), and feces from crates (44.0%). Twenty-three antibiotic resistance patterns were recognized and 40 (33.6%) isolates were resistant to five or more antibiotics. The same serotypes of Salmonella were distributed along the slaughtering process of each Salmonella-positive slaughterhouse. Most of those isolates belonging to the same serotype had identical or closely related PFGE profiles. They also shared common antibiotic resistance patterns. Overall findings of this study indicated that Salmonella were sequentially transmitted through the chicken slaughtering process. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study provides useful information on the distribution and transmission of Salmonella serotypes through the chicken slaughtering process. Overall findings indicated the need for routine microbiological monitoring along the slaughtering process. This study also showed that on-farm control of Salmonella is needed to obtain Salmonella-free chicken carcasses.

Animal Welfare in Nepal.

The small densely populated country of Nepal rises from just above sea level to more than 8800 m and encompasses many agro-ecological zones. Rich in both nature and culture, livestock are integral to household and national economies. Most Nepalese consider the cow sacred, and slaughter is forbidden. Other nonhuman animals are less esteemed, slaughter is not proscribed, and many are sacrificed during religious festivals. Limited financial and material resources, inadequate feed supplies, poor access to veterinary services, absence of appropriate legislation, and ignoring the needs of livestock as sentient beings can compromise welfare and lead to inhumane treatment. This article reviews the welfare status of various groups (food-producing stock, work animals, street dogs, experimental animals, and elephants in captivity). Several animal welfare charities are represented. Suggestions for improved welfare are discussed, but the prognosis is not encouraging especially in view of the widespread struggle and people's own struggle for survival.

Turning Intentions into Animal Welfare Improvement in the Asian Livestock Sector.

Intentions form the basis of behavioral action to improve animal welfare; however an intention-behavior gap has been previously identified. Livestock stakeholders in China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand (n = 1041) involved in slaughter and transport completed a survey in which they were asked their level of intention to improve animal welfare, and their level of confidence in their ability to do this. Chinese respondents had the most confidence in their ability to improve animal welfare, and veterinarians showed more confidence than livestock team leaders. Those with high or low intentions, and either high or low confidences were compared for key influencing factors to identify the circumstances that may be most conducive to behavior change. Respondents with high intentions and low confidence in their ability to improve animal welfare identified extrinsic factors associated with their immediate workplace and different company priorities, and the intrinsic factor of lack of personal knowledge. It is concluded that targeting these areas to improve confidence in stakeholders in livestock transport and slaughter could bring the most improvements in animal welfare initiatives.

Perceptions of on-farm emergency slaughter for dairy cows in British Columbia.

Some jurisdictions permit on-farm emergency slaughter (OFES) as one end-of-life option for dairy cows and other animals that cannot be transported humanely but are deemed fit for human consumption. Anecdotal reports suggest that OFES is controversial among dairy industry professionals, but to date their perceptions of OFES have not been studied systematically. Twenty-five individual interviews and 3 focus groups with 40 dairy producers, veterinarians, and other professionals in British Columbia, Canada, revealed positive and negative perceptions of OFES influenced by (1) individual values, (2) the perceived operational legitimacy of OFES, and (3) concern over social responsibility and public perception of the dairy industry. Study participants valued cow welfare but were divided on whether OFES quickened or delayed death for injured animals. Views on the operational legitimacy of OFES varied because of different perceptions and concerns regarding regulatory, veterinary, and meat inspector oversight, a possible conflict of interest for veterinarians, and concerns over carcass hygiene and transport. Whereas many appreciated that OFES prevented transport of compromised cows, others saw OFES as merely a stopgap measure. Seven recommended actions could address concerns while retaining the benefits of OFES: (1) specifying precise timing parameters for OFES, (2) clarification of allowable cow conditions for OFES, (3) consultation with dairy industry professionals if OFES is to be expanded, (4) more proactive culling and the development of euthanasia protocols on farms, (5) the designation of veterinarians as the first point of contact in the OFES process, (6) veterinarian training on animal inspection and allowable conditions for OFES, and (7) the use of proper procedures and equipment during the OFES process to ensure food safety.