Exposure of abattoirs workers to rift valley fever virus infection in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Objective: To measure seroprevalence of Rift Valley Fever virus infection among abattoirs workers in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Abattoirs in the region (Jazan, Aseer and Al Qunfuda) were visited. Veterinarians and butchers were studied. Blood samples were then taken and tested for RVF-specific IgG and IgM (ELISAs). Results: The present study included 62 abattoir workers. None of whom tested were positive for RVF specific IgM. The overall prevalence of RVF IgG among butchers reached 8% (95% CI: 1.3 - 75.8). Among the 31 Bengali butchers 3 were RVF IgG positive giving a prevalence of 9.7 % (95% CI: 2.0 - 25.8), while among four Saudi butchers one was RVF IgG positive (25%, 95% CI: 1.3 - 75.8). Conclusions: The study documented the lack of recent RVF activity among abattoirs workers. High-risk, occupationally exposed abattoir workers represent a useful sentinel population for surveillance of RVF, especially in the absence of clinical disease.

Microbial Evaluation of Meat Contact Surfaces in Red Meat Abattoirs of Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria

Microbial quality (MQ) of meat contact surfaces (MCS) of six major abattoirs was evaluated with a subsequent further isolation and identification of E. coli O157. Two hundred and forty 240 swab samples (SS) from MCS that include cutting equipment, floor, tables and transport media were collected for total aerobic plate count and isolation of E. coli O157. Results of the SS indicated a mean value 7.1 ± 0.3 log10 cfu/cm2. A minimum value of 6.4 ± 0.6 log10 cfu/cm2 was recorded oncutting instrument from Ningi abattoir, while a maximum value of 7.8 ± 0.3 log10 cfu/cm2 was obtained from tables at Darazo abattoir. Only 3 (1.2%) of the 240 SS of the MCS were positive for E. coli O157 using the latex agglutination kit (Difco, Michigan, USA).

The Epidemiology of Cardio-Vascular Diseases in Relation to the Air Quality of Abattoirs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study investigated the spatial occurrence of cardiovascular diseases associated with the air quality of selected abattoirs in Port Harcourt. Using the simple random sampling technique, the Trans-Amadi, Rumuokoro, Rukpokwu and Elelenwo abattoirs were selected and used for the study. However, both gases and particulates matter which include NO2, SO2, H2S, CH4, CO, PM2.5, and PM10 were collected at distances of 0, 20, 50, 100, 200 m with the aid of a hand held multi-gas monitor. The questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, duration of job in years, as well as individual frequency of hospital visitation based on symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The electrocardiogram was employed to diagnose manifestations of ischemic heart disease among the workers especially in the roasting section. Analysis of data collected was done using the Step-wise multiple regression technique. Result showed that occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is a function of pollutant concentration (CO - r = 0.57) at Rumuokoro abattoir;(O3 - r = 0.40, SO2 - r = 0.23, CO - r = 0.14) at Rukpokwu abattoir, duration of exposure (DOE - r = 0.22) at Rumuokoro abattoir, (DOE ? r = 0.40) at Trans-Amadi abattoir;and (DOE - r = 0.20) at Elelenwo abattoir;age of worker (r = 0.06) at Rukpokwu abattoir, (r = 0.30) at Elenlewo abattoir and daily duration on the job (JOBD - r = 0.13) at Elelenwo abattoir. Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between occurrence of vascular diseases and pollutant concentration, duration of exposure, age and duration on the job but varies from location to location. Periodic epidemiological and air quality assessment of workers at the abattoirs are strongly advocated.

Seroprevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis and Associated Risk Factors in Pigs Slaughtered in Abattoirs in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya

Taenia solium is an important food-bome pathogen worldwide and is emerging as a serious public health risk in both rural and urban communities where pigs are raised and consumed. Adult tapeworms are found in the intestines of humans while the developmental larval forms occur in the muscles and organs constituting cysticercosis of pigs and humans. Cysticercosis has a worldwide distribution, mainly related to poor hygiene and sanitation and consumption of infected pork. Pigs get infected through consumption of food and contaminated with human faeces containg eggs. In recent years pork consumption has increased with the opening up of pork eating centres. Porcine cysticercosis has previously been reported in Kenya, however, there are scarce data on the occurrence of the disease, as well as on the risk factors for transmission, in key production and consumption areas including Thika. The purpose of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in slaughtered pigs and associated risk factors for occurrence of the disease in selected abattoirs in Thika. Systematic random sampling was used to select a total of 276 pigs. The source of the slaughter pigs was derived fi＇om the movement permits, the breed, sex and estimation of age was done at ante mortem examination. The slaughter and meat inspection processes were carried out by the slaughter house personnel and the investigators only observed and received the outcome of the inspection. Blood samples were collected fi＇om each identified pig at slaughter, processed and analyzed using purified Taenia solium antigen ELISA commercial kit. The results meat inspection showed that none of the pigs in this study had any visible cysts whereas 4.35% of the pigs were seropositive which poses public health risk.

Cysticercus Tenuicollis in Visceral Organs of Goats and Sheep in Uganda: A Case Study in Lira Municipal Abattoir

Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir. A total of 70 sheep and 70 goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. An abattoir data collection sheet was used to record data, which was then analysed in SPSS version 20. The study revealed 51.4% of goats and 68.6% of sheep to be infested with Cysticercus tenuicollis. Following the district of origin for the small ruminants, Otuke district had the highest prevalence of the parasite (82.6%), followed by Kole (72.4%), Alebtong (66.7%), Apac (59.4%) and Lira (31.4%). Cysticercus tenuicollis was more frequently seen in the intestines (57.8%) of sheep and goats than in any other visceral organs. The liver had a prevalence of 20.7%, the lungs 17.8%, the kidneys 3.5% and the fetal sac;(15.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. Cysticercus tenuicollis was detected in 68.8% of females and 58.8% of male small ruminants. It is recommended to routinely deworm goats and sheep by farmers most especially in districts with the highest prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of dogs on these contaminated materials should be stopped forthwith. It is also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants.

Antibiotic Profile and Molecular Characterization of Typhoidal Salmonellosis among Abattoir Workers in the Southern Region of Nigeria

Typhoid fever remains endemic in most developing countries with large scale transmission through contaminated food and drinking water. Since 2000s, animal and their products have been found to be a common food source for Typhoidal infections. A total of 90 blood specimens, 45 samples each were collected from abattoir and non-abattoir workers in Akwa Ibom State and were screened for Salmonella species using standard cultural and serological techniques. The overall prevalence rate was 12 (13.3%). Salmonella species were distributed in all the three senatorial districts of the State. Percentage distribution of Salmonella isolates was 3 (3.3%) for Uyo, 4 (4.4%) for Eket and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from Ikot Ekpene districts. Out of 90 human subjects screened, 12 (13.3%) were positive and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from non-abattoir while 7 (7.7%) were isolated from abattoir workers. In this study, serological significant titre of ≥160 of Typhoid fever cases was confirmed by blood culture. According to sero-grouping and source of sample collection 4.4% S. typhi was isolated from abattoir workers followed by S. paratyphi A (3.3%) while S. typhimurium and S. gallinarum (2.2%) and S. enteritidis (1.1%). Increase prevalence of Salmonella serovars such as S. gallinarium, S. typhi, S. Typhimurium and S. enteritidis with regular consumption of slaughter meat and other product without proper disinfection and appropriate boiling, represent a serious public health risk in Akwa Ibom State. Demographic data obtained in this study showed that majority of the abattoir workers across the three districts were within the ages of 21 to 30 (33%), 39% were none graduate while 30.4% were secondary school leavers. Fever was recorded as the highest clinical signs and symptoms followed by headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Generally, all the isolates identified as Salmonella were tested for their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. The results showed that Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxine were 100% sensitive to S. gallinarum, S. paratyphi A, 93% susceptible to S. typhi and 80% to S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis. Whereas all isolates were 100% resistant to Septrin, Tetracycline and Ampicillin antibacterial agents used. The emergence of multiple drugs resistant Salmonella from abattoir workers shows that the continuous use of drugs in animal husbandry as growth promoters should be re-examined. Other factors as sources of Salmonella contamination in slaughter markets can be minimized by good hygienic practices and biosecurity measures.

Prevalence of Some World Health Organization Priority Organisms from an Abattoir at Kwata, Anambra State, Nigeria

The abattoir is one of the important sectors in the food industry, therefore the need for close monitoring of everything concerning it to minimize microbial contamination. The aim of the study is to identify bacteria listed as WHO priority organisms associated with meat from Kwata abattoir in Awka, Anambra state. The study was carried out over a three (3) months period from September to December 2022. Thirteen samples were collected from the floor, table, water, meat, knife and soil in the abattoir. The samples were cultured using streak and spread plate methods on MacConkey and Cetrimide agar. The isolates were identified with the following biochemical tests: catalase, oxidase, citrate and indole tests. Ampiclox levofloxacin, gentamicin, ofloxacin impenem ceftraixone, cefixime, cefuroxime and nitrofurantoin were used for sensitivity test following Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and biofilm formation was determined using the tube method. The 75 isolates obtained were identified as follows;29.3% E. coli, 26.7% Klebsiella spp., 16% Proteus spp., and 28% Pseudomonas spp. The result of antibiotics sensitivity test interpreted using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints showed that (98%) of the isolates were resistant to the antibiotics used. Test for biofilm formation with 52 isolates showed 31 strong, 12 moderate and 9 weak biofilm formers. The result of this study confirms the presence of bacteria contaminants within the WHO priority list in the abattoir, as such there is need for improved handling of animals. Slaughtering, cleaning and distribution of meat should be done using aseptic procedures. .

Prevalence and Pathology of Fasciola Species in Slaughtered Cattle

Studies on the prevalence and pathology of Fasciola specie were carried out in nine abattoirs in Ilorin, capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria. The research was conducted during the period August, 2006 - May, 2007. Of the 63,649 cattles examined at the various abattoirs which are lpata, Sango, Oloje, Baboko, Oke-oyi, Iporin, Panada, Oke-ose and Marafa, 1,434 representing 25.2% were infected with Fasciola species while 114 representing 6.5% were condemned. Iporin slaughter slab had the highest prevalence of 3.6%, followed by panada with 3.4% and Ipata having the least prevalence of 1.6%. Similarly analysis of data on monthly basis showed that March had the highest prevalence of 2.8%, followed by April with 2.6% and December with the least prevalence of 1.8%. Overall infestation was 22.7% while overall condemnation was 6.5%. There was a significant difference （X^2 = 23.7, P 〈 0.05） in the monthly infestation rate. Also, there was no significant difference （X^2 = 10.7, P 〉 0.05） between the infection rate and condemnation among the various abattoirs. The factors responsible for the prevalence of Fasciola specie and pathology of infection are highlighted.

An abattoir survey of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia lesions in slaughtered cattle in selected districts in Northern Tanzania

Objective:To establish and estimate incidence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia(CBPP),using abattoir survey as a diagnostic tool in slaughtered cattle in Northern Tanzania.Methods:A total of 4460 cattle were slaughtered in five abattoirs in 3 northern zone regions(Arusha,Kilimanjaro and Tanga)during the period of January to May 2004.They were examined ante-mortem for‘pneumonia signs',and‘characteristic contagious bovine pleuropneumonia(CBPP)lung lesions'.Results:Forty-one(0.91%)of the slaughtered cattle,the majority of which were Tanzania short horn zebu,had gross lung lesions suggestive of CBPP.The prevalence of lesions was significantly(P<0.05)higher in Karatu abattoir compared to others.No animal was detected to have lesion in Bomang'ombe abattoir.The most observed pneumonic signs included labored breathing(90%),dry cough(57%)and mucopurulent nasal discharge(47%).The gross characteristic CBPP pathological lesion,frequently encountered was left lung lesion(47%),pinkish lung(71%)and pleural adhesion(98%).Epidemiological reports show that the CBPP reported outbreaks increased from 19 in 2002,65 in 2003 and 18 in 2004(January-March).The corresponding number of reported deaths increased from 137 in 2002,269 in 2003 and 77 in 2004(January-March).Conclusions:It's concluded from this study that CBPP is a problem in spite of the extensive awareness and vaccination campaigns.Nevertheless,a continued surveillance programme including routine checks of all cattle carcasses at the abattoir and subsequent epidemiological investigation of suspected cases are recommended.

Food safety knowledge and practices of abattoir and butchery shops and the microbial profile of meat in Mekelle City,Ethiopia

Objective:To assess the food safety knowledge and practices in meat handling,and to determine microbial load and pathogenic organisms in meat at Mekelle city.Methods:A descriptive survey design was used to answer questions concerning the current status of food hygiene and sanitation practiced in the abattoir and butcher shops.Workers from the abattoir and butcher shops were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to assess their food safety knowledge.Bacterial load was assessed by serial dilution method and the major bacterial pathogens were isolated by using standard procedures.Results:15.1%of the abattoir workers had no health certificate and there was no hot water,sterilizer and cooling facility in the abattoir.11.3%of the butchers didn’t use protective clothes.There was a food safety knowledge gap within the abattoir and butcher shop workers.The mean values of bacterial load of abattoir meat,butcher shops and street meat sale was found to be 1.1×10~5,5.6×10~5and 4.3×10~6 cfu/g,respectively.The major bacterial pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.Conclusions:The study revealed that there is a reasonable gap on food safely knowledge by abattoir and butcher shop workers.The microbial profile was also higher compared to standards set by World Health Organization.Due attention should be given by the government to improve the food safety knowledge and the quality standard of meat sold in the city.

A survey of zoonotic diseases in trade cattle slaughtered at Tanga city abattoir:a cause of public health concern

Objective:To estimate the prevalence of hydatidosis,cysticercosis,tuberculosis,leptospirosis,brucellosis and toxoplasmosis in slaughtered bovine stock(aged≥3 years)at Tanga city abattoir,Tanzania.Methods:Prevalence estimation of the five zoonotic diseases was undertaken through an active abattoir and sero-survey was carried out in Tanga city,during the period of January 2002and March 2004.Serum samples collected from a sub-sample(n=51)of the slaughter stock were serologically screened for antibodies against brucellosis,leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis using Rose Bengal plate test,microscopic agglutination test(for 5 serovars of Leptospira interrogans)and Eiken latex agglutination test,respectively.The same animals were tested for tuberculosis using the single intradermal tuberculin test.Results:Post mortem examination of 12 444 slaughter cattle(10 790 short horn zebu and 1 654 graded)over a period of twenty two months,showed a prevalence of 1.56%(194)for hydatidosis,1.49%(185)for cysticercosis and 0.32%(40)for tuberculosis.In all three zoonoses,a statistically significant difference in infection rates was noted between the short horn zebu and graded breeds(P<0.05).The overall seroprevalences of animals with brucellosis,toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis antibodies were found to be 12%,12%and 51%,respectively.The most common leptospiral antibodies detected were those against antigens of serovars Leptospira hardjo(29%),Leptospira tarassovi(18%),Leptospira bataviae(4%)and Leptospira pomona(0%).With regard to tuberculosis,10%(n=5)of the animals tested were classified as non-specific reactors or inconclusive.Conclusions:The study findings suggest that brucellosis,toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis are prevalent in Tanga and provide definitive evidence of slaughtered stock exposure to these zoonotic agents with concurrent public health consequences.

Cryptorchidism in Sheep: A Clinical and Abattoir Survey in the United Kingdom

This paper describes features of a study of different aspects of cryptorchidism in sheep in different parts of England. A total of 83 crytorchid testes (57 unilateral and 13 bilateral) were recognised in 70 animals post-slaughter at three abattoirs in the south west of England between June 2000-January 2004. Abdominal cryptorchids (60) were common than inguinal (23);69% percent of cases were unilateral. External examination for cryptorchidism was carried out on 5134 young male lambs carried out in 2001 at Foot and Mouth Disease disposal sites, and on farms, during the UK outbreak of the disease. A total of 29 cases of cryptorchism [0.56%] were detected;86% of cases were unilateral. In both situations the right testis was more commonly affected than the left.

Antibiogram of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas Strains Isolated from Wastewater Generated by an Abattoir as It Journeys into a Receiving River

Untreated wastewater from abattoir operations contains nutrients and other components that aid the growth of microorganisms especially bacteria. They also serve as a habitat for potentially pathogenic bacteria which might be a source of public health concern. The study was carried out to determine the antibiotics susceptibility profile of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli) to selected antibiotics. Wastewater samples were collected from ten different sampling points and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) and King’s B medium. The bacterial strains obtained from the wastewater samples were subjected to antibiotics susceptibility tests, using the disc diffusion technique. A total of 60 Pseudomonas and 100 Escherichia coli were isolated out of which none of the Pseudomonas strains showed resistance to imipenem, colistin sulphate, meropenem and aztreonam, while 100% resistance was observed to ceftazidime and piperacillin. All the Escherichia coli strains were resistant to oxacillin and ceftazidime, while the percentage resistance to aztreonam, ertapenem, cefoxitin and tetracyline was 6%, 11%, 43% and 58% respectively. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the total Escherichia coli showed resistance to more than two antibiotics, while 14% showed resistance to ceftazidime and oxacillin, with only one isolate showing resistance to ceftazidime and cefoxitin. There is the need for an effective treatment of wastewater generated from abattoir operations to prevent the potential spread and transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria to the human population who depends heavily on some of the water bodies, receiving input from abattoir wastes.

Hepatitis in slaughterhouse workers

Slaughterhouse workers(SHW) are at increased risk of hepatitis which can occur due to different organisms and should be investigated for viral, bacterial, and parasitic organisms. Slaughter house personnel including butchers are at a higher risk of infections from cuts and blood-letting, with the possible risk of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens to their colleagues. The objective of this review is to evaluate the common etiologies of hepatitis in SHW which will assist in the assessment of these patients presenting with transaminitis. Types of Microorganisms causing hepatitis with their reservoirs, routes of transmission,laboratory diagnosis, clinical features, treatment options and preventive strategies are included in this review. Proper investigation and awareness is of utmost importance as it causes significant financial constraints derived from workers health cost and from livestock production losses when the disease is confirmed. The work up is essential because infected workers might be a source of infections to other colleagues, family and the consumers.

Prevalence of bovine hydatidosis in Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir, North Eastern Ethiopia

A study to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis was conducted in Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir. A total of 400 cattle randomly sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of hydatid cysts in the organs and viscera of the animals using the standard meat inspection procedures. Positive or suspected samples were taken to the parasitology laboratory at the Kombolcha regional laboratory and cyst identification, fertility and viability tests were performed. The statistical analysis showed that there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis and sex of animals, P > 0.05. The prevalence of hydatidosis was also found to be significant with the age and origin of the study animals (P < 0.05). Of 191 cysts examined, 154(80.63%) calcified, 1(0.51%) sterile, and 36(18.85%) fertile cysts. From the total fertile cysts, 24(72.22%) were found to be viable. Of 108 cysts recorded in the lung, 74(68.52%) calcified, 1(0.93%) sterile, 21(19.44%) viable and 12(11.11%) were non viable. Furthermore, of 70 cysts recorded in the liver, 67 (95.71%) were found to be calcified and 3(4.29%) viable. A total of 16,068 cattle were slaughtered from 2003 to August 2007 and the overall 1955 (12.17%) prevalence of hydatidosis was recorded. The results of this study showed that hydatidosis pose significant economic problems by causing condemnation of considerable numbers organs, rendering them unfit for market. Therefore, initiation and implementation of control measures is necessary in order to alleviate its economic impact as well as zoonotic risks to the human.

Main Technical Differences in the Processing of Broilers： A Comparison between Slaughterhouses in Brazil and UK

Rapid technological advances in chicken processing in plants around the world have meant that different techniques are being employed regarding the slaughter＇s flow process. This paper aimed to compare and contrast systems and practices in two large slaughterhouses--one in UK and the other in Brazil. Annotated observations were made during inspection visits to chicken slaughterhouses in the two countries between 2014 and 2016. Whilst there were similarities in the two systems, there are also clear differences. The Brazilian case is evidently adapted for a more tropical condition, rather than the temperate one in UK. The handling practices of birds used during transportation, waiting, stunning as well as pre-cooling differ in techniques employed and consequently likely their efficiencies. In UK, the practices are more geared towards water and energy saving. The difference in market conditions and the length of the respective supply chains also determine the type of primary packaging used in final products. Both countries adhere to similar rulings applied to slaughterhouses. However, in the Brazilian case, it tended to comply with mainly external market demands. In conclusion, managers in the Brazilian poultry system could consider looking into adopting some of the practices used in UK, such as cage/crate dimension which reduce bird＇s lesions and bruises; the use of stunning by modified atmosphere and pre-cooling for resource efficiency reasons and improvement in animal welfare. Finally, when distances between sites of production and consumption are great such as in Brazil, the use of modified atmosphere technology could be also further explored to ensure better quality of the final product.

Heavy Metals and Antibiotics Susceptibility Profiles of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>Isolated from Several Points Receiving Daily Input from the Bodija Abattoir in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Indiscriminate and unguided discharge of untreated wastewater especially from abattoirs can constitute a public health threat and also stimulate the onset of co-resistance to metal and antibiotics in environmental microorganisms. It has been shown that microorganisms especially bacteria that have the capacity to resist antibiotics and heavy metals, may constitute a public health threat. This study was therefore conducted to determine the susceptibility and tolerance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from abattoir effluent flowing into a receiving river around Bodija market in Ibadan to a range of antibiotics and heavy metals. Ten points were selected for sampling, and the samples were cultured on nutrient agar and mannitol salt agar. A total of 22 Staphylococcus aureus strains were obtained. They were subjected to increasing concentration of six heavy metals [lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni)] and five antibiotics. Of the total isolates, 41% were resistant to all the six metals at 1500μg/ml concentration, while the others showed various degree of resistance. A percentage resistance of 22.7% was observed for tetracycline, 100% to ceftazidime, 9.1% to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin while 63.6% of the strains were resistant to oxacillin. All the strains but two showed resistance to all the metals tested, while multiple resistance to antibiotics was also observed. Further studies need to be carried out on the mechanisms of resistance of these strains.

Burden of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Pigs Slaughtered in Uganda and Its Implication on Veterinary Public Health

Antimicrobial resistance by bacteria and other microbes has become a global public and animal health threat. In this cross-sectional study, assessed the abattoir workers’ practices regarding pork handling and we investigated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from pigs brought for slaughter at Wambizzi, Uganda’s main pig abattoir. Rectal swabs were collected from a total of 176 live pigs prior to slaughter. Additionally, 24 swabs were taken from the abattoir floor environment. The collected swabs were cultured for the detection and isolation of E. coli followed by antibiotic susceptibility tests. Regarding pork handling practices, absence of hand washing facilities was observed and none of the workers cleaned/disinfected their equipment between slaughters while slaughters took place on the unhygienic floors of the inspection room. Overall, high prevalence (85.1%) of multi-drug resistant E. coli was detected in pigs received from all the regions of Uganda. Swine E. coli isolates exhibited high resistance against erythromycin (87.4%) and the least resistance against ciprofloxacin at 2.3%. At regional level, E. coli isolates from the central region of Uganda showed higher prevalence of multidrug resistant E. coli isolates as follows;amoxicillin (30.4%, p-value = 0.007), erythromycin (34.8%, p-value = 0.002), streptomycin (40.7%), ciprofloxacin (100%), oxytetracycline (31%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (42.9%). Furthermore, multidrug-resistant E. coli was also confirmed in the immediate environment where pigs were gathered and slaughtered. From these environmental isolates, the highest resistance was confirmed against erythromycin (100%), whereas no isolates showed resistance against ciprofloxacin. The observed practices coupled with the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the slaughterhouses presents a possible risk of pork contamination with multidrug-resistant E. coli presenting a potential risk of causing foodborne illnesses among pork consumers in Uganda. The current findings could justify active surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among food animals and provides basis for monitoring the quality of pork products to ensure food safety.

Abattoir as a Tool for Veterinary Extension and Communication Services: A Practical Demonstration of Its Implementation

Considering the widespread disease transmission among butchers/meat inspectors and a possible risk of exposure to diseases due to the attitude of some butchers and nature of meat inspector’s jobs. Ignorance and lack of awareness of such dangers has also been identified to be responsible for some of the problems encountered in most instances as well as the presence of some predisposing factors for diseases. In view of the above, this model is developed as a means of demonstrating the use of the abattoir and other registered related slaughter premises in the provision of the physical facility, where the primary role of extension personnel to develop the capacity and capability of target groups in the abattoir and livestock producing community, in order to enhance animal/zoonotic disease surveillance and control. The model if adopted and fully utilized will create awareness among target groups of dangers of disease transmission and ways of curtailing such problems, government through their agencies, professionals and private organizations should be involved in the implementation of this model in order to achieve the desired response.

Bioenergy Production from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Sewage Sludge and Abattoir Wastes

Energy is the pillar of human economic development. Several energy sources, renewable and non-renewable, have been exploited to assure and sustain the need for sustainable development. However, depletion of non-renewable energy sources forced researchers to search for alternative cost effective and environmental friendly energy sources. Thus, conversion of waste materials into energy has obtained considerable attention. In line with this, the aim of this study is to investigate the improvement of bio-energy production through anaerobic digestion of mixture of wastes from sewage sludge and abattoir sources. The abattoir waste is functioned as a co-substrate. Laboratory scale batch anaerobic co-digestion of the waste is carried out under mesophilic condition for 20 days. Sewage Sludge (SS) alone, and different mix ratios of SS to Abattoir Waste (AW) were analyzed for bioenergy production. Besides, the nutrient values and reduction in volume of the sewage after digestion were determined. The results show that methane productions of 33.8%, 48.3% and 56.9% were obtained for SS alone and for SS:AW mix ratios of 4:1 and 3:2, respectively. The nutrient values of the slurry increased as mix ratio decreased due to the increase in the amount of AW. The obtained results indicate that bio-energy production can be improved through co-digestion of SS using AW as a co-substrate;thus warranting further investigation for the practical application in the energy production.