PubMed · 10443039
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W W Gibbs. 1999. Trailing a virus.. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0899-81
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To investigate the frequency of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infected calves at a breeding farm and cattle at a slaughterhouse in Tohoku area of Japan, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of genes for Shiga toxin(s). The fecal samples from a total of 204 calves and 306 cattle were examined. The prevalence rates in calves less than 2 months of age, cattle 2-8 months of age, and adults greater than 1 year of age were 39.4, 78.9, and 40.8%, respectively. Detection frequency of STEC in the fecal specimens from calves aged 0-8 months was not different among the breeds of cattle (Holstein: H, Japanese black cattle: B, and F1: HxB). On the other hand, for calves over 12 months of age, the frequency of STEC in Japanese black cattle and F1 were significantly higher than in Holstein cattle. Serogroups of STEC usually identified in human cases of food poisoning (O157, O26, and O111) were not frequently found in the feces of the cattle.
Slaughterhouse surveys are important in the detection and management of zoonotic diseases. Routine reports from the Kumasi slaughterhouse, in the Ashanti region of Ghana, include cases of zoonotic diseases. Due to its location and size, Kumasi is the major cattle market and an important transit point for cattle trade from places within and outside Ghana. This present study was designed to examine slaughterhouse reports and to explore the nature of the knowledge, attitude and practices of butchers who operate at this slaughterhouse, in relation to zoonoses. The study was largely descriptive, employing qualitative methods and tools. Butchers were interviewed and their practices along the production line observed. The study indicates that zoonotic diseases are frequently detected at the Kumasi slaughterhouse. However the knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs of the butchers are largely inadequate for their profession in view of the important public health role that butchers play. The butchers have never received any form of training. It is recommended that the butchers receive training on a regular basis and that laws be formulated and implemented to protect the health of the butchers and the general public.
Zoonotic diseases constitute a public health problem throughout the world, particularly in the tropics, where their control is restricted by inadequate infrastructure and financial resources. Additionally, there is a lack of information on their significance and distribution. This study, conducted jointly by the Ministries of Health and Animal Resources, aimed to assess the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Burkina Faso. The data were taken from internal reports of each ministry covering the period January 1-December 31 1996 for the Ministry of Health and for January 1-December 31 1997 for the Ministry of Animal Resources. Zoonotic diseases were divided into viral (rabies, yellow fever, HIV infection/AIDS, and measles), bacterial (tuberculosis, brucellosis, and anthrax) and parasitic (cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, and leishmaniasis). For the period under study, the following diseases were reported by the Ministry of Health, tuberculosis, 1314 cases; anthrax, 145 cases; leishmania, 271 cases; rabies, 110 cases; and measles, 46490 cases. The Ministry of Animal Resources reported 69% of rabies cases occurred in dogs; cysticercosis occurred in swine at a prevalence of 0.57%; the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle, small ruminants and pigs was 0. 13, 0.013, and 0.029%, respectively; the prevalence of anthrax and echinococcosis was 0.012 and 0.007%, respectively; and finally, the prevalence of bovine brucellosis was 8% in the peri-urban areas. This study revealed that there was a lack of collaboration between the organisational structures and workers in both ministries involved in the control of zoonoses. Links between the two ministries in the field of public health need strengthening.