Evaluation of public and animal health risks in case of a delayed post‐mortem inspection in ungulates

Abstract

The potential effects of a 24 or 72-h delay in post-mortem inspection (PMI) of ungulates on public health and monitoring of animal health and welfare was evaluated. The assessment used a survey of meat inspectors, expert opinion, literature search and a stochastic model for Salmonella detection sensitivity. Disease detection sensitivity at a delayed PMI is expected to reduce detection sensitivity to a variable extent, depending on the hazard and on the signs/lesions and organs involved. No reduction is expected for Trichinella detection in meat from susceptible animal species and any decrease in detection of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) will not exceed the current tolerance for fallen stock. A 24-h delay in PMI could result in a small reduction in sensitivity of detection for tuberculosis, echinococcosis and cysticercosis. A greater reduction is expected for the detection of pyaemia and Rift valley fever. For the detection of Salmonella, the median model estimates are a reduction of sensitivity of 66.5% (90% probability interval (PI) 0.08-99.75%) after 24-h delay and 94% (90% PI 0.83-100%) after 72-h delay of PMI. Laboratory testing for tuberculosis following a sampling delay of 24-72 h could result in no, or a moderate, decrease in detection depending on the method of confirmation used (PCR, culture, histopathology). For chemical contaminants, a delay in meat inspection of 24 or 72 h is expected to have no impact on the effectiveness of detection of persistent organic pollutants and metals. However, for certain pharmacologically active substances, there will be a reduced effectiveness to detect some of these substances due to potential degradation in the available matrices (tissues and organs) and the non-availability of specific preferred matrices of choice.

Meat safety legislation and its opportunities and hurdles for innovative approaches: A review

“… The operator must ensure that PM examination is undertaken by a PM examiner within 24 h following the dressing of an animal intended for human consumption. EFSA (2020) ( Gill et al, 1976 ) Animal Products Notice: Ante-mortem and Post-mortem examination of Mammals, Ostrich and Emu Intended for Human Consumption. Clause 3.3 (2), (3) and (6) The post-mortem examiner must conduct post-mortem examination so as to minimise cross-contamination between carcasses and in accordance with the procedures relating to post-mortem inspection as described in the Post-mortem Examination Procedures.…”

Identification, Shiga toxin subtypes and prevalence of minor serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in feedlot cattle feces

“…The EHEC pathotype, a subset of STEC, was once considered to be associated more often with severe STEC infections. In a scientific opinion agreed upon by the European Food Safety Authority Panel, the EHEC terminology is considered obsolete and the recommendation was to use STEC for all stx- positive strains 8 .…”

“…Based on differences in nucleotide sequences of stx genes, amino acid sequences of Stx proteins and the degree of cytotoxicity, Shiga toxins and Shiga toxin genes are classified into several variants or subtypes 5 , 6 . The stx 1 gene has four subtypes, stx 1a, stx 1c, stx 1d, and stx 1e and stx 2 has 12 subtypes, stx 2a, stx 2b, stx 2c, stx 2d, stx 2e, stx 2f., stx 2g, stx 2h, stx 2i, stx 2j, stx 2k, and stx 2l 4 , 7 , 8 . The severity and complications of human illnesses are influenced by Shiga toxin types and subtypes 4 , 9 .…”

“…The severity and complications of human illnesses are influenced by Shiga toxin types and subtypes 4 , 9 . Studies have shown that Stx2 to be involved more often than Stx1 and certain subtypes to be involved more often than others in causing human STEC infections, particularly in the development of serious illnesses 8 , 10 . Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), a term for a subset of STEC, is defined in part by the ability to produce attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions in the intestinal epithelium 11 .…”

Recent Advances in the Application of Bacteriophages against Common Foodborne Pathogens

“…Chickens are the most frequently infected animals, followed by cattle, turkeys, pigs, ducks, and geese. The most common cause of infection are the two serotypes Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium [ 41 ].…”