Cattle Meat Inspection Chapter 2
Cattle Meat Inspection Chapter 2
Cattle Meat Inspection Chapter 2
Parasitic diseases
Lung worms
Dictyocaulus viviparous is a lung worm in cattle causing verminous pneumonia or bronchitis, husk or
hoose. Mature lung worms live in the bronchi. During coughing the eggs are swallowed by the host.
Hatching of eggs take place in air passages or the digestive tract. Larvae are passed in the faeces.
These will survive and develop on the ground if moist and at moderate temperatures they will become
invasive in 3 – 7 days. Larvae are resistant to the cold, although their maturation will be delayed.
Upon ingestion by the primary host larvae migrate through the intestinal wall to the mesenteric lymph
nodes. From the mesenteric lymph nodes they pass via the lymphatic to the venous circulation and to
the heart. From the heart they reach the lung alveoli. Three to six weeks after infection they migrate to
bronchi where they mature and lay eggs. They survive 7 weeks in bronchi where they terminate their life
cycle.
Fascioliasis 3
Fascioliasis is caused by different liver flukes. Fasciola hepatica is the most widespread in distribution.
Fasciola gigantica in Africa and some parts of South East Asia and Fasciola magna found namely in
North America including Canada and Europe. In Zimbabwe between 30–70 % of cattle slaughtered are
infested with flukes. Usually the liver needs to be trimmed or condemned.
Fasciola hepatica is the most common of liver flukes. It is leaf shaped and measures 2.5 cm to 5 cm by
1.3 cm. It lives in the bile ducts of ruminants and other mammals.
Fasciola magna is one of the largest of flukes (10 cm by 2.5 cm) noted in the liver and rarely in the lungs
of cattle, sheep, deer, moose, elk and other cervidae in Canada. It is found in North America. It may
differentiate from Fasciola hepatica by the absence of an anterior cone like projection.
Fasciola gigantica is two or three times larger then Fasciola hepatica. It causes severe economic losses
in cattle of Africa.
Numerous flukes of Fasciola hepatica observed in the bile ducts and liver parenchyma of a cow.
The sporocysts divide to form rediae. The rediae transform into cercariae which are the final larval stage
of the cycle. They leave the snail and encysted into a metacercaria. After ingestion by a herbivorous
animal, the cyst wall is digested in the duodenum and the larva crosses the small intestine wall and
peritoneal space to the liver. It penetrates the liver and makes its way to the bile ducts and matures
within a few weeks. The complete cycle of this fluke takes 3 –4 months in favorable conditions.
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Judgment depends on the extent of the fluke lesions and the condition of the carcass.
Severe infestation with associated emaciation or edema would necessitate total condemnation of the
carcass. Mild, moderate and heavy infestation without emaciation may have a favorable judgment. If the
parasitic lesions in the liver are clearly circumscribed, the liver may be salvaged after trimming of
affected tissue. Otherwise it is condemned.
Dicrocoelium dendriticum (the lancet fluke) is the smallest of the four mentioned flukes in the liver.
Life cycle: Two intermediate hosts are required for its complete cycle. The eggs excreted with faeces by
the final host are ingested by a land snail. Many species of land snail can act as intermediate hosts
where they develop into sporocysts and cercariae. Cionella lubrica is the principal first intermediate host
in North America.
The cercariae are expelled by the snail in mucus and are deposited on plants. They are further ingested
by ants of the genus Formica where they develop into metacercariae. Several species of this genus can
act as second intermediate hosts. In North America Formica fusca is the second intermediate host.
Ruminants, while grazing, may ingest these ants. The cyst wall of the metacercariae is digested and
larvae then migrate to the bile ducts where they mature. Dicrocoelium dendriticum is only slightly
pathogenic and does not produce clinical symptoms in the animal.
Postmortem findings: In cattle, sheep and swine, the lancet fluke causes moderate thickening of the
bile ducts, with slight damage to liver parenchyma. Upon close examination, the parasites can be seen in
the bile ducts.
Life cycle: The larvae develop to the infective stage on pasture. They are sensitive to cold, dryness and
temperature changes. The infected larvae penetrate the intestinal mucosa and many of them become
encysted. The larvae which penetrate into deeper mucosal layers provoke an inflammatory reaction and
nodules of “pimply gut”. Further stages of development occur in the intestinal wall. It is believed that
many larvae are killed by the reaction they provoke in the intestine. When the larvae leave nodules due
to malnutrition or lower resistance of the animal, they reach the colon. In the colon they become adults
and attach themselves to the colonic mucosa where they lay eggs. A great number of nodules disappear
as gross lesions after the departure of larvae. With repeated parasitic exposure, the host becomes
1. Diarrhea with black-green faeces which may be mixed with mucus and blood
2. Loss of condition and emaciation
3. Stiff gait
4. Young calves may show loss of appetite, diarrhea, emaciation and anemia.
Postmortem findings:
1. Grayish white nodules ranging in size from a pinhead to a pea. The nodules may contain a
greenish pasty material in younger lesions or a yellow - brown crumbly material in older lesions.
2. Thickening of the intestinal wall
3. Local peritonitis
4. Mild inflammation of intestine in the acute stage
5. Chronic inflammation of colon in the chronic stage
Judgment: Intestines affected with nodular worms are condemned. The carcass is also condemned, if
severe infestation of this parasite is associated with emaciation and edema. Mild, moderate and heavy
infestation without emaciation may have a favorable judgment. However, intestines should always be
condemned as they cannot be used for sausage manufacture.
Oesophagostomiasis. Parasitic nodules on the intestinal mucosa (top) and serosa (bottom) in a young
bovine animal.
Cysticercoids
Bovine cysticercoids are caused by Cysticercus bovis, which is the cystic form of the human tapeworm
Tania saginata.
Transmission: Infection in man occurs following consumption of raw or undercooked beef containing
viable cisticerci. Cattle become infected by ingestion of feedstuff containing ova passed from infected
humans. Cattle raised on free range become often infected through contamination of grazing with human
faeces. Infected farm workers may contaminate hay, silage, other feeds or sewage effluent. Intrauterine
infection of a bovine fetus was also recorded.
1. Muscle stiffness
2. Rarely fever …….
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Carcass and viscera of an infested animal should be differentiated with those with “heavy”
infestation and those with “light” infestation. Carcass and viscera of heavily infested animals are
condemned and those with light infestation should be treated either by boiling or freezing. The extent of
“heavy infestation” is prescribed by the controlling authority. An animal is commonly considered heavily
infected, if lesions are discovered in two of the usual inspection sites including the masseter muscles,
tongue, esophagus, heart, diaphragm or exposed musculature and in two sites during incisions into the
shoulder and into the rounds. Generalized infection according to Canadian regulations means 2 or 3
cysts found on each cut into the muscles of mastication, heart, diaphragm and its pillars, and also if 2 or
3 cysts are found in muscles exposed during dressing procedures. In moderate or light infestation
consisting of a small number of dead or degenerated cysticercoids, the carcass is held depending on the
existing country regulations for approximately 10 days at - 10° C.
Differential diagnosis: Hypoderma species (migration to heart), nerve sheath tumor, eosinophilic
myositis, abscess and granuloma caused by injections
Caseous cysticercus. Numerous clear transparent cysts on the heart surface. 0.6 mm in diameter in the
heart muscle.
Hydatid disease in cattle is caused by the larval stages of the 2–7 mm long tape worm Echinococcus
granulose, which lives in the intestines of dogs and other carnivores. Several strains of E. granulose
exist; the cattle/dog strain is primarily responsible for hydatid disease in cattle. In Africa hydatid disease
is reported more commonly in cattle that are communally owned or are raised on free range, and which
associate more intimately with the domestic dogs. Hydatidosis in domestic ruminants inflicts enormous
economic damage due to the condemnation of affected organs and lowering of the meat, milk and wool
production.
Life cycle: The infective eggs containing the oncosphere passed in the faeces are accidentally ingested
by cattle, sheep, pigs, other animals or humans which act as a intermediate hosts. After the infective
eggs are ingested by these intermediate hosts, the oncospheres in the eggs penetrate the intestine and
reach the liver, lungs and other organs including the brain and muscles to develop into hydatid cysts at
the end of about five months. These cysts measure commonly 5 – 10 cm and contain fluid. Some may
reach up to 50 cm in diameter. Others may produce daughter's cysts. The diagnostic features of a
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Carcass showing emaciation, edema and muscular involvement is condemned and
destroyed. Otherwise the carcass is approved. Affected viscera and any other tissue are also
condemned and destroyed. Burying of carcass is not sufficient, since dogs may retrieve the affected
organs.
Differential diagnosis: Retention cysts in kidneys, cysts in liver, glaucomatous lesions, Cysticercus
tenuicolis and tuberculosis
Onchocercosis
Onchocercosis in cattle is caused nematodes of the genus Onchocerca. Several species are involved,
but the most important species is Onchocerca gibsoni which causes sub-cutaneous nodules or “worm
nests” in cattle in some countries of the Asia-Pacific region and Southern Africa.
Ante mortem findings: Careful palpation reveals sub-cutaneous nodules in the brisket and buttock
regions.
Postmortem findings:
1. Firm fibrous nodules (0.5 cm - 5 cm in diameter) singly or in clusters in the regions of brisket,
buttocks and thighs.
2. The nodules have tightly coiled worms.
3. The worms may be dead or calcified in order nodules.
Judgment: The affected carcasses can be passed after the nodules have been removed. In heavy
infestations the affected briskets are removed, and the tissue and the fascia around the stifle and the
brisket are stripped off before the carcasses are passed.
Parafilariasis
Parafilaria bovicola is a filarial parasite of cattle which causes focal cutaneous hemorrhage and sub-
cutaneous lesions which are observed as bruising on a dressed carcass. The parasite occurs world wide
in countries such as France, Canada, Sweden, South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as other parts of
Africa.
Transmission: The parasite is spread by several haematophagus species of the fly Musca.
Life cycle: During the 7 - 10 month's life cycle of the worm, the fly picks up the egg off the skin surface
of infected cattle. The larvae then develop in the fly, and are transmitted to the bovine through the saliva
where they migrate subcutaneously and cause the lesions. The lesions appear like a bruise, hence the
Judgment: Lesions vary from mild and localized to severe and extensive. Mild and localized lesions
require trimming of the affected portions and extensive lesions may warrant a total condemnation of the
carcass.
Trypanosomiasis
This is a protozoan disease of animals and humans caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma,
which are found in blood plasma, various body tissues and fluids.
Transmission: Trypanosoma are transmitted primarily by the Glossina spp., tsetse fly, Stomoxys,
tabanid and reduviid bugs, and by venereal contact. Trypanosoma species in the insect vector undergo
one or two cycles of development.
1. Intermittent fever
2. Anemia
3. Weight loss and weakness
4. Edema, particularly observed in the face and legs
5. Enlarged body lymph nodes
6. Hemorrhage
7. Opacity of the cornea, keratitis and photophobia
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: The carcass affected with trypanosomiasis or any other protozoan diseases is condemned if
an acute condition is associated with systemic body changes. Heat treatment may be recommended in
some cases if economically feasible. The carcass of recovered and reactor animals may be approved if
generalized lesions are lacking. Carcass showing borderline emaciation or slight edema should be
examined after the 24 - 48 hours in the chiller. A satisfactory setting would lead to a favorable judgment
of the carcass. The affected parts
of the carcass and organs are
condemned.
Differential diagnosis:
Helminthiasis, malnutrition and
other chronic wasting diseases,
equine infectious anemia, heart
water, babesiosis and
anaplasmosis
East coast fever is a sub acute haemoprotozoan disease of cattle caused by Theileria parva. Theileriosis
is characterized by fever, enlarged lymph nodes, dyspnea and death. In chronic cases loss of condition,
emaciation, diarrhea, blindness, etc. can be seen.
1. Mortality up to 90 %
2. High temperature (up to 41 °C)
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Cattle Meat inspection chapter 2
3. Difficult breathing and coughing
4. Nasal discharge, salivation and watery eyes
5. Swelling of the lymph nodes draining the area where the infected tick fed
6. Cerebral signs manifested by circling to one side, convulsions and death
Postmortem findings:
1. Froth in nostrils and bronchi associated with pulmonary edema and emphysema
2. Swollen, edematous lungs and interstitial pneumonia
3. Enlarged and hemorrhagic lymph nodes and splenic lymphoid hypertrophy
4. Enlarged and mottled liver
5. Infarcts, thrombosis and lymphoid hypertrophy in spleen
6. White spots of lymphoid aggregates in a kidneys
7. Brownish coloration of fat
8. Hemorrhagic and rarely ulcerative enteritis
Confirmation of diagnosis is only made through detection of parasites in a Giemsa stained lymph node
biopsy smear and/or blood smear.
Judgment: Carcass and viscera of an animal affected with febrile chronic theileriosis and without
systemic lesions are approved. Carcass is condemned, if acute febrile theileriosis is accompanied with
fever and generalized lesions. The affected organs are also condemned.
Besnoitiosis
Besnoitiosis is a chronic debilitating protozoan disease of cattle and horses. It also occurs in wild
animals such as antelope, wildebeest (gnu) in Africa and caribou in Canada. The causative agent in
cattle is Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia benetti in horses.
The organism is closely related the genus Toxoplasmosis The mode of transmission is still unknown. It is
believed that tabanids are mechanical vectors.
1. Elevated temperature
2. Increased respiration
3. Nasal discharge and lacrimation
4. Diarrhea
5. Cysts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue and loss of hair
6. Swollen body lymph nodes
7. Severe generalized edema of the head, neck, ventral abdomen and legs
8. Chronic skin lesions show in folding and cracking
9. Decreased milk production
10. Inflammation of the testicles
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: The carcass is approved if the lesions are localized with no systemic involvement Carcass is
condemned if disseminated, generalized lesions are accompanied with emaciation.
Differential diagnosis: Lumpy skin disease, sweating sickness and ectoparasitism (mites, ticks, fungi)
Anaplasmosis is a rickettsial disease characterized by severe debility, emaciation, anemia and jaundice
and is caused by Ana plasma spp... They are obligate intracellular parasites. Ana plasma marginal is the
causative agent in cattle and wild ruminants.
Transmission: Boophilus species of ticks transmit anaplasmosis. Mosquitoes and the horsefly are
mechanical transmitters. Transmission is also possible through injection needles.
1. High fever
2. Jaundice and anemia demonstrated by pale mucous membranes
3. Frequent urination and constipation Chronic infection
4. Emaciation
Postmortem findings:
Diagnosis can only be confirmed by detecting parasites in a blood smear stained with Giemsa.
Judgment: Carcass of an animal showing acute infection should be condemned. Recovered and
“suspect” animals manifesting inconclusive signs of anaplasmosis are approved if otherwise healthy. A
mildly yellow discolored carcass may be chilled and assessed after setting. If the discoloration has
disappeared, the carcass is approved. Animals affected with anaplasmosis could be treated under the
supervision of a government official. Guidelines for the withdrawal period for therapeutic agents should
be followed if the animals are being shipped for the slaughter.
Differential diagnosis: Icterus and anemia of different causes, anthrax, leptospirosis, emaciation
caused by parasitism and malignant lymphoma, babesiosis.
Babesiosis of cattle, horses, sheep and swine is a febrile, tick borne disease caused by various species
of the protozoan genus Babesia.
Transmission: Different species of ticks in the family Ixodidae serve as vectors in different locations.
The Babesia parasites can be transmitted transstadially and transovarially within a tick species.
Postmortem findings:
Diagnosis can only be confirmed by identification of parasite in the peripheral blood smear stained with
Giemsa
Sarcocystosis (Sarcosporidiosis)
Sarcocystosis is caused by the various species of the protozoan genus Sarcocystis. This is one of the
most common parasitic conditions in domestic food animals and a high percentage of cattle in various
parts of the world are infested with these parasites which are usually host specific. In cattle three species
have been recognized. They are listed in Table 1. Cattle are the intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis spp.
All Sarcocystis spp. in the intermediate hosts, the food animals, are characterized by the formation of
cysts in the muscles.
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Table 1: Sarcocystis spp. in Cattle
Definitive
Species Distribution Size of cyst Pathogenicity
Host/s
S. cruzi World-wide Dog, coyote, red Microscopic, less than Most pathogenic species in cattle it can
fox, racoon and 0.5mm long. cause fever, anemia, abortion
wolf neurological signs and even death.
S. hirsuta Probably world- Cat Macroscopic, up to 8mm Mildly pathogenic
wide long and 1mm wide,
fusiform in shape
S. Europe Humans and Microscopic Mildly pathogenic to cattle
hominis some primates
Life cycle: All Sarcocystis species require two hosts and a pre-predator cycle to complete their life-cycle.
A herbivore, the prey, and a carnivore or omnivore, the predator are involved Sexual development occur
in the predator which is therefore a definitive host, and asexual development occurs in the prey which is
the intermediate host.
Two species, one in cattle (S. hominis) and one in pigs (S. suihominis) use humans as definitive hosts
and therefore these infections in animals are zoonoses. Generally speaking dog transmitted Sarcocystis
are pathogenic and whereas cat transmitted ones are not.
The most important species in cattle is S. cruzi which has world-wide distribution and uses the dog as
the definitive host. Sexual development takes place in the dog after which infective sporocysts are
passed in the faeces. The details of development in cattle are illustrated in
The buffalo is the intermediate host for two species: S. levinei which forms microscopic cysts and uses
the dog as the definitive host, and S. fusiformis which forms macroscopic spindle or globular shaped
cysts measuring 3.2cm × 8 mm and uses the cat as the definitive host. S. fusiformis cysts are seen in
the esophagus and the skeletal musculature and are common parasite of the water buffalo in many parts
of the world.
Transmission: Cattle acquire infection by ingesting sporocysts contaminating feed, pasture or water.
After several generations of asexual reproduction by schizogony they form cysts in muscles. S. cruzi, the
most pathogenic species for cattle forms microscopic cysts. The definitive host, including humans
acquires the infection when they eat bovine tissues containing the viable Sarcocystis cysts. The data
provided below are for S. cruzi infestations, unless specified otherwise.
Life cycle of Sarcocystis hominis (cattle) and Sarcocystis suihominis (pigs) in final host (man)
Life cycle of Sarococystis cruzi in the bovine and canine (prey-predator cycle)
Postmortem findings:
1. The cysts are microscopic and therefore are not detected on routine postmortem inspection.
They cause little tissue reaction.
2. In some cases the cysts may be associated with eosinophilic myositis
3. A histological section of bovine muscle affected with eosinophilic myositis showing massive
accumulation of eosinophiles and two micro cysts of S. cruzi
4. S. hirsuta cysts may be seen as fusiform objects 8 mm × 1 mm in the esophagus, diaphragm and
skeletal muscles of older animals especially bulls.
5. Macroscopic cysts of S. fusiformis in the skeletal muscle of buffalo
Judgment: Judgment should be made on macroscopic presence of cysts. In heavy and widespread
infestations with the visible cysts the whole carcass is condemned. In lighter infestations those parts of
the carcass which are not affected are passed for human consumption. Microscopic examination of
muscle may show as much as 70 % infestation in animals worldwide.
There are two warble flies in cattle, Hypoderma bovis and Hypoderma lineatum. They have similar
cycles. During the summer the adult fly lays its eggs on the leg hair and occasionally on the body of
cattle. Within a week the larvae hatch and burrow into the skin and, for several months they travel
through the body. Hypoderma bovis migrates into the thoracic and abdominal cavities towards the spinal
canal before moving under the skin of the back. Hypoderma lineatum migrates to the esophageal area
before reaching the dorsal area of the animal. In spring (February-May), the larvae reach the area of the
back. They burrow a breathing hole and increase in size to approximately 8 mm × 25 mm. They are
visible for a month. After this cycle, maggots fall to the ground where they develop into flies and start the
whole cycle once again
Postmortem findings:
1. Inflamed area of subcutaneous tissue, red, green or yellow in color, around the maggot or at the
site where the maggot lodged
2. Inflammation of the esophagus may cause rumen bloat due to obstruction
3. Hypoderma bovis larvae
Judgment: Carcass of an animal affected with Hypoderma bovis is approved. Subcutaneous lesions are
removed.
Hypodermis bovis (warble fly) the larvae penetrate the dermis & migrate to the skin of the back & thin
encysted larvae produce skin swelling (A) breathing holes on the back (B)
Hypodermal bovis. Larvae protruding from back Hypodermal bovis larvae.
in a 2 year old steer.
Screwworm myiasis
Life Cycle: In the preferred temperature range (20 – 30°C) it is about 21 days. The female, which mates
only once, lays one or more batches of up to 300 eggs at the edge of any wound or break in the skin in
any warm blooded animal. Skin breaks as small as tick bites, as well as natural orifices can be sites of
oviposition. The larvae develop within 24 hours, and burrow into the living flesh, creating large, deep,
open wounds which attract further egg laying females. If unattended, these wounds are often fatal,
particularly in newborn animals where the oviposition site is usually the navel.
Ante mortem Findings: A serosanguinous discharge often exudes from the infested wounds, and a
distinct odor may be detected. In some cases, the openings in the skin may be small with extensive
pockets of screwworm larvae beneath. In dogs, screwworm larvae commonly tunnel under the skin.
Screwworm infestations in anal, vaginal, and nasal orifices may be difficult to detect, even in the later
stages.
Judgment: The affected carcasses can be passed after the wounds tissues have been removed and
incinerated.
Screw worm the adult flies lay eggs on wounds (A) & then hatch to be mature (B) thin pupate in the soil
Wound of adult bovine infested by
screwworm
External parasite:
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Heart water is an acute, non contagious disease of cattle, sheep, goats, antelopes and wild ruminants. It
is caused by the rickettsial organism Cowdria (Rickettsia) ruminantium.
1. Incubation 14 – 28 days
2. Fever
3. Diarrhea
4. Convulsions and death
Acute form
5. Fever up to 41.7°C
6. Rapid breathing
7. Lack of appetite, depression and listlessness
Postmortem findings:
1. Hydro pericardium
2. Hydrothorax
3. Pulmonary edema and ascites
4. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
5. Enlarged liver, spleen and lymph nodes
6. Hemorrhage in the abomasums and intestine
7. Edema and hemorrhage of the brain
Judgment: Carcass of an animal affected with heart water is condemned in the acute stage of the
disease. In a chronic case, the carcass may be approved if adequately bled and muscles are wholesome
in color and texture. The affected organs are condemned.
Differential diagnosis: Per acute form of heart water should be differentiated from anthrax. The acute
nervous form of the disease is differentiated from tetanus, rabies, cerebral trypanosomiasis, strychnine
poisoning, piroplasmosis, theileriosis, lead and organophosphate poisoning, parasitism, arsenical
poisoning and poisoning with certain plants.
Q fever (Queensland fever, Nine mile fever, American Q fever, Australian Q fever)
Q fever is a disease of cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, camels, fowl, dogs, cats, pigeons and humans. It is
caused by Coxiella burnetii. Q fever is an occupational disease of livestock personnel. Farmers and
laboratory personnel.
Transmission: Ticks spread infection to cattle which develop mild disease. The faeces deposited on
animal hide by ticks may be the source of infection for humans. Q fever is also transmitted by inhalation
or dust contaminated with infected animal secreta or excreta. Healthy animals may serve as a carrier
Field cases there are no clinical signs of this disease. In the disease produced by the inoculation of cows
via the udder the clinical signs may include:
1. Acute mastitis
2. Loss of appetite and depression
3. Serous nasal and lacrimal discharge
4. Difficult breathing
5. Atony of the rumen
6. Abortion in pregnant cows
Discussions: Coxiella burnetii is highly resistant and was isolated from farm soil 6 months after the
removal of animals. It may persist in the udder up to 3 years. The temperatures of milk pasteurization (in
bulk at 63°C for 30 minutes or the common method at 72°C for 15 seconds) kill this agent in milk.
Vaccination will reduce shedding of organisms in milk.
This disease in humans has a sudden onset and is characterized by loss of appetite, weakness and
generalized malaise lasting from 1 – 2 weeks. Pneumonia may also be present. Death may be caused
by endocarditis in older people. More severe symptoms of Q fever are noticed.
This is an acute, sub acute or chronic highly infectious disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma
mycoides var, mycoides.
Transmission: Aerosol and droplet infection from the infected animals. The recovered animal called
“lungers” act as carriers and shedders, especially under stress.
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Carcass of an animal affected with contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is condemned if the
disease is associated with fever, inadequate bleeding of carcass, serous infiltration of the brisket and
emaciation. Recovered animals showing no generalized signs of the disease are approved and the
affected organs are condemned.
Differential diagnosis: Shipping fever (Pasteurellosis). East coast fever, foreign body pneumonia, IBR,
tuberculosis, Chlamydia infections and lungworms
Metritis
Metritis is inflammation of the uterus. This condition is of bacterial origin. It occurs as a result of calving
problems such as retention of placenta, abortion, twin births, abnormal labour and traumatic lesions of
the uterus cervix and vagina.
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Carcass of an animal affected with acute metritis is condemned if it is associated with
septicemia or toxemia. In chronic cases, when toxemic signs are lacking, the carcass may be approved if
no antibiotic residues are found.
Metritis. Necrotizing inflammation of the uterus with grayish-brown foul smelling uterine exudates.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the udder caused by bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Depending on the virulence of
the agent and resistance of the udder, mastitis is manifested in acute or chronic forms.
Postmortem findings:
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Cattle Meat inspection chapter 2
1. Pale yellow granular appearance of the udder parenchyma
2. Light brown edematous udder parenchyma
3. Enlarged supramammary, iliac and lumbar lymph nodes.
4. Injection sites
Judgment: Carcass and viscera are condemned if acute or gangrenous mastitis is associated with
systemic changes. If infection has spread from the supramammary lymph nodes via the iliac lymph
nodes to the lumbar lymph nodes, this can be taken as evidence of spread of infection from its primary
location. The condemnation of the carcass may then be warranted. A localized condition of the udder has
a favorable judgment of the carcass.
Chronic mastitis. Enlarged, firm udder. Incision into the udder parenchyma shows normal milk and pale
yellow granular appearance of the udder parenchyma.
Brown red edematous udder parenchyma. The udder culture resulted in a heavy growth of
Staphylococcus aureus.
Endocarditis
In cattle, the organisms most commonly associated with endocarditis are Actinomyces pyogenes and
Streptococcus spp... Strains of Escherichia coli are also frequently found. The lesion is most commonly
found on the valves. Portions of vegetation may become detached and released into the blood stream as
emboli which may lodge in other organs. They may be septic or aseptic. The latter contain thrombosis
material. Emboli, brought from the right heart to the lungs by blood vessels may cause pulmonary
abscesses, or pulmonary thrombosis and the emboli brought from the left heart to the spleen and
kidneys may cause septic or aseptic infarcts in these organs. Abscesses in the heart may also be
observed.
1. Moderate fever
2. Breathing with accompanied grunt
3. Pallor of mucosa
4. Loss of condition and muscle weakness
5. Temporary fall in milk production in lactating animals
6. Jaundice and death
Postmortem findings:
Judgment: Carcass of a debilitated animal is condemned for varicose endocarditis if it is associated with
lesions in lungs, liver or kidneys. Carcass affected with ulcerative or varicose endocarditis with no signs
of systemic changes and negative bacteriological result may be approved after heat treatment is applied.
Endocarditis showing scar tissue is approved. The heart is condemned.
TRP is caused from the perforation of the reticulum by a metallic foreign body. It is mostly seen in adult
dairy cattle and can occur in beef cattle.
In chronic localized peritonitis, acute signs and pain lessen, temperature falls and stomach reticulo-
rumen motility may return.
Postmortem findings:
Judgment : Viscera and carcass are condemned - a) if the animal is affected with acute diffuse
peritonitis or acute infectious pericarditis associated with septicemia; b) carcass with traumatic
pericarditis associated with fever, large accumulation of exudates, circulatory disturbances, degenerative
changes in organs, or abnormal odor. c) Carcass with chronic traumatic reticulo-peritonitis and/or
purulent pericarditis with associated pleuritis, abscessation and edema of the chest.
Chronic adhesive localized peritonitis and chronic pericarditis without systemic changes in well
nourished animals allow a favorable judgment of the carcass. The affected parts of the carcass and
organs are condemned.
A carcass affected with infectious exudative pericarditis in a sub acute stage may be conditionally
approved pending heat treatment, if bacteriological and antibiotic residue findings are negative.
Differential diagnosis: Uterine or vaginal trauma, abomasal ulceration with perforation, liver
abscessation, Pyelonephritis, ketosis, abomasal displacement and volvulus, and “grain overload”.
TRP. Cross section of the heart reveals thick Fibrinous deposits that encircled heart. Rusty nail has
penetrated through the wall of the reticulum into the pericardium in this case
BEEF CUT