Bovine paratuberculosis: Investigation of affected carcasses at meat inspection

Haining, Hayley (2001) Bovine paratuberculosis: Investigation of affected carcasses at meat inspection. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Crohn's disease is a chronic, progressive granulomatous enteritis of young humans. Analogies have been made with Johne's disease of cattle, especially following the isolation of the organism, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, from some Crohn's patients. Much research has been conducted to define the aetiological agent of Crohn's disease. However, the cause remains unclear. The aim of the project was to investigate the likelihood of clinical cases of Johne's disease passing meat hygiene inspection, following current fresh meat legislation and guidelines. Carcasses considered fit for human consumption underwent post-mortem examination to investigate gross pathological changes. The extent of spread of the organism was investigated by cytological and histological examination and also by polymerase chain reaction of lymph nodes, intestines and selected tissues. All the confirmed Johne's disease carcasses "set" and would pass meat hygiene inspection. The most consistent findings at post-mortem were dilation of the mesenteric and gut lymphatics, and thickening of the terminal ileum, with "cobblestoning" of the ileal mucosa. The most significant laboratory result was a prescapular lymph node of animal 136334 being positive for IS900, a genetic element of DNA unique to the organism. Moreover this animal had numerous granulomatous lesions throughout many lymph nodes and organs in the body, suggesting systemic spread of the organism. The second part of this thesis describes a pilot study, conducted in an over thirty month scheme abattoir, investigating the application of a more thorough examination of the carcass within the abattoir. It was found that inspection of the gut mucosa was feasible within the time constraints of the slaughterline and if conducted within the gut room, posed minimal threat to hygiene.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Animal diseases
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Steele, Billy and Williams, Dr. Alun
• Date of Award: 2001
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2001-72142
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 May 2019 15:11
• Last Modified: 21 Apr 2022 15:42
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/72142