1. Ante-mortem Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are key welfare concerns during animal transport to slaughterhouses?
Overcrowding, injury, stress, fatigue, heat/cold exposure, and fitness for travel.
Who is responsible for animal welfare during transport and lairage?
The Food Business Operator (FBO), usually delegating to an Animal Welfare Officer, with oversight by the Official Veterinarian (OV) and verification by the FSA.
What regulations cover ante-mortem inspection and welfare in transport?
Regulation (EC) 853/2004, Regulation (EU) 2017/625, 2019/624, and 2019/627.
How are cattle categorized by cleanliness on arrival?
Categories 1 (clean and dry) to 5 (filthy and wet); only categories 1 and 2 are generally accepted for slaughter without special treatment.
What is the role of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) in food safety?
C&D of vehicles before loading new animals prevents cross-contamination; it’s the farmer and FBO’s responsibility and is verified by the OV/MHI.
What are the primary aims of ante-mortem inspection (AM)?
Assess animal health and welfare, ensure animals are fit for slaughter, detect notifiable diseases, and confirm identity and documentation.
Who performs ante-mortem inspections in slaughterhouses?
The Official Veterinarian (OV), sometimes assisted by a Meat Hygiene Inspector (MHI).
What happens if a notifiable disease is suspected during AM inspection?
The OV must notify the APHA and take appropriate action (e.g., isolation, restriction, emergency slaughter).
Name three notifiable diseases with AM signs.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), and Anthrax.
What is the legal consequence of failing to conduct ante-mortem inspection?
The animal is deemed unfit for human consumption.
What AM signs might indicate Anthrax?
Sudden death, high fever, muscle tremors, unclotted blood from orifices, and absence of rigor mortis.
Which disease presents with vesicles in the mouth and feet and high morbidity?
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
What condition is characterized by progressive weight loss, ataxia, and pruritus in sheep?
Scrapie.
What common skin conditions may be noted during AM inspection?
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis), Papillomatosis (warts), Orf/Contagious Pustular Dermatitis.
Name two welfare issues visible at AM inspection.
Emaciation and prolapses.
what are the key signs of anthrax on ante mortem inspection
- sudden death
- muscle tremors
- high fever
- unclotted blood from body openings
- no rigor mortis
what are the key indications of foot and mouth and swine vesicular disease on ante-mortem
- highly contagious
- all cloven hoofed animls and pigs
- high morbidity
- pyrexia
- lameness
- myocarditis
- vesicles and erosions in mouth feet teats and nose
what are the key indications of african swine fever and classical swine fever
- high mortality
- high fever
- loss of appetite
- haemorrhages in the skin and internal organs
NOTIFIABLE
what are the key indications of BSE ante mortem
changes in gait (hind ataxia) and behaviour and hyper reactivity to stimuli
once symptoms appear, disease is progressive and fatal
what are the key indications of scrapie AM
- progressive weight loss but not appetite
- ataxia
- fine head tremors
- cutaneous hypersensitivityt and pruritus
what are some key indications of blue tongue
notifiable
* Eye and nasal discharges
* Drooling as a result of ulcerations in the mouth.
* Fever.
* Swelling of the mouth, head and neck.
* Lameness.
* Haemorrhages into or under the skin.
* Inflammation (coronary band).
* Mortality may reach 70%.
* A bluetongue is rarely a clinical sign of infection
what are some key findings of brucellosis on AMI
- abortion
- orchitis
- epididymitis
notifiable
zoonotic
what is required for an animal to enter the food chain
OV ante-mortem inspection
if suffering is detected, who do you notify
trading standards and/or APHA
