Chapter 17 – Ante and Post-mortem Procedures, Dispositions, Monitoring and Controls  –  Meat Species, Ostriches, Rheas and Emus

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17.9 Disposition of Abnormal Carcasses and Carcass Parts

17.9.1 Introduction

Animal diseases and conditions requiring specific dispositions are tabulated into the following three subsections, together with the appropriate disposition in a coded and summarized form for reference purposes.

• Subsection 17.9.2 deals with diseases and conditions that can be diagnosed based on the organoleptic observations (visual, tactile and olfactory).
• Subsection 17.9.3 deals with diseases that are usually diagnosed based on laboratory results.
• Subsection 17.9.4 deals with diseases subject to mandatory declaration that can be seen at slaughter.

In some instances where disposition does not lend itself easily to summarization, or when more specific procedures are required, more detailed information is given in section 17.9.5 of this chapter.

17.9.2 Diseases and Conditions Diagnosed by Organoleptic Examination of Lesions or Anomalies

This section is currently under review.

17.9.3 Diseases and Conditions Generally Diagnosed and Reported Based on Laboratory Analysis

This section is currently under review.

17.9.4 Diseases Subject to Mandatory Declaration

This section is currently under review.

17.9.5 Detailed Disposition for Selected Pathologies

17.9.5.1 Caseous Lymphadenitis in Ovine and Caprine

• Any carcass showing systemic generalization and/or associated systemic effects due to Caseous Lymphadenitis shall be condemned irrespective of the size and number of lesions.
• A thin carcass exhibiting marked involvement of either the visceral or body lymph nodes shall be condemned.
• A well nourished carcass showing marked involvement of the visceral and body lymph nodes shall be condemned.
• Any carcass affected to a lesser extent may be approved after removal and condemnation of all affected lymph nodes and organs.

The fourth point above reflects the view that an abscess in a body lymph node is a normal sequel to the introduction of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis into the body via skin wounds, e.g. during shearing, docking, etc. Following further examination of the area drained by the affected lymph node, if other abscesses are not observed, then it may be assumed that the lymph system has functioned satisfactorily to sequester the offending organism. Condemnation of a quarter due to the presence of an abscessed lymph node is therefore not acceptable. Extensive involvement of many tissues warrants condemnation.

The special handling of carcasses considered to be "thin" reflects the possibility that this thinness is related to the extent of infection, e.g. that the infection had a detrimental effect on the general health status of the affected animal.

The following definition of "marked involvement" is included to assist in uniform application.

"Marked involvement" may be defined as the presence of:

• 2 or more abscesses exceeding 4 cm in diameter;
• 3-5 abscesses between 2 to 4 cm in diameter;
• 5-7 abscesses up to 2 cm in diameter; or
• any reasonable combination of the above.

17.9.5.2 Bovine Cysticercosis

17.9.5.2.1 Index Case

If on routine examination, one or more carcasses in a lot are found to be affected with lesions suggestive of Cysticercus bovis, all affected carcasses and their parts shall be held pending laboratory confirmation. As bovine cysticercosis is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act, the identity of the owner and the origin of the cattle must be established for follow up. As soon as a probable lesion is detected, the inspector shall record the permanent identification number or, if it is missing, all pertinent information which would assist in identifying the origin of the carcass(es), e.g. ear tags, brands, etc.

17.9.5.2.2 Laboratory Confirmation

Please consult Chapter 5 for more information on submission of tissues for laboratory confirmation.

Laboratory reports will reflect the results of histological examination of the submitted lesions and will consist of one of three possible options:

1. The lesion was not caused by C. bovis. The pathologist will describe the lesion observed, adding the statement that the etiology of the lesion was not C. bovis. In this case, the carcass(es) from which the lesion originated may be considered not to be infested and should therefore be released without further treatment.
2. The lesion was caused by C. bovis. The pathologist will describe the lesion observed adding a statement which indicates that the etiology of the lesion was C. bovis.
3. C. bovis cannot be ruled out as a possible cause of the lesion. In this case, the pathologist will describe the lesion observed adding a statement which indicates that the lesion is consistent with that caused by C. bovis. For post-mortem judgement purposes, these carcasses must be considered infested.

Note: When at least one (1) carcass from a lot of cattle is considered to be infested, all carcasses which originate from that lot and which exhibit gross lesions suggestive of C. bovis shall also be considered to be infested.

17.9.5.2.3 Post-Mortem Judgement

Any carcass considered to be infested with C. bovis, along with the corresponding parts, shall be condemned if the infestation is considered extensive. Infestation shall be considered extensive where:

• cysts are found in at least two (2) of the following sites during routine primary inspection : heart, tongue, muscles of mastication, diaphragm and its pillars, oesophagus and musculature that is exposed during dressing operations

AND

• at least two (2) of the sites exposed by incision into the rounds and forelimbs.

Any carcass and its parts considered slightly infested must be trimmed in order to remove visible cysts and treated with one of the following methods:

• the meat product is subjected to a heat treatment of at least 60ºC; or
• the meat product is subjected to a cold treatment not exceeding -10ºC for not less than 10 days; or
• the meat product is subjected to an alternative treatment approved by the CFIA. In this case, the operator must provide a written protocol including scientific validation proving that the proposed treatment is effective. This protocol must be submitted to the Area Red Meat Program Specialist through the Veterinarian in Charge or the Inspector in Charge for approval.

No matter what treatment is used (heat, cold, alternative), each operator shall develop, implement and maintain a control program as prescribed by the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990 to ensure the treatment is efficient.

17.9.5.2.4 Slaughter of Bovines from Cysticercus Bovis Infested Premises

Cysticercosis is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations. Subsequent lots of cattle which originate from infested premises and which are sent to slaughter under licence shall be subjected to a more detailed examination than usual by thorough slicing of:

• the heart;
• the external and internal muscles of mastication;
• the muscular portion of the diaphragm;
• the tongue and the oesophagus; and
• the musculature exposed during the dressing operations of the carcass.

All carcasses exhibiting gross lesions suggestive of C. bovis shall be considered infested and disposed of accordingly. Laboratory confirmation is not required for this action.

Under the Health of Animals Act and its regulations, compensation is paid for carcasses which are licenced to slaughter and subsequently condemned or treated due to Cysticercosis. To implement this policy, the following procedures shall be followed:

• Cattle licenced to be slaughtered at an establishment should be accompanied by a copy of form CFIA/ACIA 1509 (License for Removal of Animals or things) and be appropriately identified.
• On arrival at the establishment, the animals shall be segregated from other cattle until slaughtered at a time which is mutually acceptable to plant management and the Veterinarian in Charge.
• The Veterinarian in Charge of the establishment shall fill out CFIA/ACIA 5179 (Ante-mortem and Post-mortem Inspection Report) immediately after the slaughter of the licenced cattle. Each carcass and its disposition shall be recorded on the CFIA/ACIA 5179.

Depending on the basis of payment at the abattoir, the Veterinarian in Charge shall provide the district veterinarian with the live weight of the animals or the dressed weight and grade of the carcasses, for all animals licensed to be slaughtered. To assist in the estimation of the value lost as a result of condemnation or freezing, infested carcasses may be held until they have been graded. Appropriate action will be taken to ensure that infested carcasses are graded as soon after slaughter as feasible. In addition, the Veterinarian in Charge shall provide the district veterinarian with details regarding the total amount of money paid to the producer by the plant management, supported by a copy of the invoice under which the payment was made.

17.9.5.3 Bovine Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ante-mortem Inspection:

• Any animal found to be affected with epithelioma of the eye and the orbital region in which the eye has been destroyed or obscured by neoplastic tissue and which shows extensive infection, suppuration, or necrosis, usually accompanied with foul odour, or any animal affected with epithelioma of the eye or of the orbital region which, regardless of extent, is accompanied with cachexia shall be condemned.
• The absence of one eye or associated structures in mature cattle may indicate the surgical removal of an epithelioma. Animals exhibiting such a loss shall be held.
• Animals exhibiting uncomplicated epithelioma or lesions not easily distinguished from epithelioma (e.g. corneal dermoid, orbital injury, etc.) shall be held.

Post-mortem Inspection:

• Carcasses of animals affected with epithelioma of the eye or the orbital region shall be condemned in their entirety if one of the following three conditions exists:
  • the condition has involved the osseous structures of the head with extensive infection, suppuration, and necrosis; OR
  • there is metastasis from the eye, or the orbital region, to any lymph node including the parotid lymph node, internal organs, muscles, skeleton, or other structures, regardless of the extent of the primary tumor; OR
  • the condition, regardless of extent, is associated with cachexia or other secondary systemic disturbances.
• Carcasses of animals affected with epithelioma of the eye, or the orbital region, to a lesser extent than described previously may be passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the head, including the tongue.
• The head and tongue of carcasses exhibiting loss of one eye at ante-mortem shall be condemned. Care must be taken to differentiate loss of an eye at ante-mortem and the loss due to hide pulling or other dressing procedures, in which case a correction is indicated in order to maintain identity and for control of the Specified Risk Material (SRM). The head, viscera and carcass shall be thoroughly examined for metastatic lesions and, if present, the entire carcass shall be condemned.

For the purpose of epidemiological investigation, it is requested that all carcasses condemned for reasons listed above be recorded as "NEOPLASM (Bovine Squamous Cell Carcinoma)" (Code 620) rather than using other terms such as NEOPLASM, EMACIATION, etc.

17.9.5.4 Odours

17.9.5.4.1 Atypical Odour

This section is currently under review.

17.9.5.4.2 Sexual Odour

This section is currently under review.

17.9.5.5 Tuberculosis/Granulomatous Lymphadenitis

N.B.: The following disposition applies to carcasses of animals presented as part of the regular kill. When lesions similar to those caused by M. bovis are detected in carcasses of animals from premises being depopulated because of Tuberculosis, the carcasses shall be condemned regardless of extent of infection.

Entry of the tubercular organism, and organisms which produce granulomatous lesions similar to those caused by M. bovis, is most common via the respiratory or digestive tract. Evidence of infection is therefore expected in three primary sites:

• the lymph nodes of the head;
• the lymph nodes of the lungs; and
• the mesenteric lymph nodes (including the hepatic lymph nodes).

When granulomatous lesions similar to those caused by M. bovis are detected in only one of these primary sites, the affected lymph node and the corresponding portion of the carcass shall be condemned, e.g. head and tongue if nodes of the head are involved, lungs if tracheobronchial nodes are involved, or intestines and stomach(s) if the mesenteric lymph nodes are affected.

For swine, as the infection usually occurs via the digestive tract, the mesenteric lymph nodes shall be incised when granulomas are found in the mandibular lymph nodes.

When granulomatous lesions similar to those caused by M. bovis are detected in more than one of these primary sites, the carcass shall be held for veterinary inspection and the following lymph nodes shall be incised and inspected (if available): caudal deep cervical, superficial cervical, hepatic, renal, superficial inguinal (scrotal or mammary), medial iliac, subiliac, deep popliteal.

Disposition of carcasses held for veterinary inspection reflects both the location and extent of lesions detected. Affected carcasses shall be condemned if:

• A lesion is detected in a body lymph node in addition to a lesion found in a primary site (which are the lymph nodes of the head, the lymph nodes of the lungs, and the mesenteric lymph nodes).

OR

• A lesion is detected in the parenchyma of any internal organ: e.g. lungs, liver, spleen, etc.

The term "granulomatous lymphadenitis" shall be used to report the condemnation of carcasses.

In the case of swine, carcasses approved after veterinary inspection shall be stamped with a "T" four times on each side and segregated as some restrictions apply to their exportation to certain countries.

17.9.5.5.1 Specimen Submission

All granulomatous and tuberculosis-like lesions found on post-mortem inspection of cattle slaughtered as part of the regular kill shall be submitted for laboratory examination. Histopathology is conducted on all specimens, and cultures are performed when indicated.

In cases where swine carcasses are condemned for granulomatous lymphadenitis, typical lesions shall be submitted for culture. Specimens are not required from carcasses affected to a lesser extent.

See Chapter 5 for guidance on selecting and submitting tuberculosis specimens for analysis.

17.9.5.6 Handling of Meat Products Which Have Fallen on the Floor

Operators shall develop, implement and maintain control programs to deal with meat products which have fallen on the floor. The Veterinarian in Charge will review the proposed control program to verify if they are acceptable before they are implemented. These procedures shall be based on the following:

• In most cases it is impossible to determine which surfaces of a carcass (or portion) have come into contact with the floor during the fall. Therefore, it is insufficient to trim only that surface which is visibly in contact with the floor.
• The majority of non-visible contamination will likely be concentrated in the same area as the visible contamination. Trimming of visible contamination will therefore remove a large amount of the non-visible contamination in that area.
• Cross-contamination risks will increase with any delay in decontaminating the product.
• Hygienic trimming and rinsing procedures have to be followed to avoid spreading contamination to underlying tissues, internal structures or non exposed cut surfaces. The use of microbial control interventions on the trimmed and rinsed meat products is strongly recommended.
• Some non-visible contamination (e.g.: hydraulic oils) cannot be removed by rinsing.
• The disposition of carcasses which fall into grossly contaminated areas or areas where abnormal types of contaminants exist, e.g. oils, greases, is subject to the professional judgment of the Veterinarian in Charge.

Unexpected situations that could not have been captured in the control program (e.g.: product falling into an area where an abnormal type of contaminant is discovered) must be evaluated in collaboration with the Veterinarian in Charge. Such unexpected contaminations must be investigated by the operator and modifications to the control program, including modifications to the HACCP system if necessary, must follow the investigation to prevent re-occurrence.

The following general procedure shall be included in the control program:

• The carcass or part of carcass shall be immediately removed from contact with the floor to reduce the potential for further contamination. Dragging of the carcass to the site of rehanging is not acceptable.
• All visible contamination shall be removed by trimming. This may necessitate the removal of certain exposed bony portions, e.g. contaminated vertebrae.
• After satisfactory removal of visible contamination, the carcass or part of carcass shall be thoroughly rinsed with water. The use of microbial control interventions on trimmed carcasses or parts of carcasses is strongly recommended.
• The site of the fall, the frequency of falls, and the reasons for the falls should be noted. Corrective action, if required should be incorporated as quickly as possible.
• In principle, it is permissible to handle carcasses with intact skin, e.g. pork, simply by thoroughly rinsing the skin surface with water. However, if these carcasses have been opened, e.g. for evisceration and/or splitting, it will be necessary to trim those cut surfaces which are visibly contaminated, followed by a thorough rinsing of both the skin and the cut surfaces. Care should be taken when rinsing the skin that further contamination of the cut surfaces does not occur. Skin contamination which cannot be removed by rinsing or found not to be removed by the rinsing shall be removed by trimming.

17.9.5.7 Moribund

Moribund animals must be condemned on ante-mortem. In red meat species, the term "MORIBUND" is restricted to ante-mortem condemnation.

Moribund animals must be detected at the time of the initial ante-mortem screening. Signs include recumbency, decreased body temperature (except in some cases where elevated temperature may be noted, e.g. acute infections, sunstroke, etc.), dilated pupils, lack of response to external stimuli, and convulsions or other involuntary movements.

It is recognized that some animals may become moribund between the time of ante-mortem screening and actual slaughter. These animals should be easily recognized by plant personnel, as their recumbency would result in considerable effort required to get these animals to the kill floor. Employees must be instructed not to slaughter these animals until an inspection by a veterinarian to determine their suitability for slaughter.

Finding an animal that is moribund at the time of ante-mortem examination or inspection shall trigger an evaluation of the circumstances that caused the animal to be received in such a state or to become moribund. Follow-up actions shall be undertaken to correct any underlying humane transportation or handling issue.

17.9.5.8 Emaciation/Leanness/Smallness

By definition, emaciation (pathological leanness) is characterized by deterioration of bodily condition and reduction in the size of the organs, particularly the liver, spleen and muscular tissue.

The outstanding feature consists of a loss of body fat and an alteration of its consistency. Locations carrying fat are shrunken, and remaining fat may have a jelly-like appearance, a viscous feel and a yellow colour. Because of the abnormal intermuscular fat, the muscular tissue has a flabby appearance. There is also an increase in the connective tissue of muscles resulting from atrophy of the actual muscle. An emaciated carcass does not set in the normal manner and has a moist appearance both on its surface and in the body cavities. The change in the consistency of the fat is especially apparent around the base of the heart, the mediastinum and the kidney region or between the spinous processes of the vertebrae.

Carcasses showing evidence of the above mentioned lesions, without any other sign of disease, shall be condemned and reported as emaciated. See difference from serous atrophy of fat in the relevant CFIA training manuals.

As for moribund animals, it should be considered to be an indication of a humane handling/transport issue to be evaluated and followed up.

17.9.5.9 Young Calves Presented for Slaughter

According to section 61.1 of the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990, veal calves admitted for slaughter to a registered establishment shall be condemned if the operator of the establishment or an official veterinarian has reasonable grounds to believe that the calf was not transported to the establishment in accordance with the provisions of section 7 of the Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals - Veal Calves, published in 1998 by the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council. The Code of practice recommends not transporting calves under 7 days of age.

For practical reasons related to the way the birth of bovines is managed by producers, the permanent identification system used in Canada admits a variability of a few days in the birth date declaration of calves. Therefore, the condemnation of a veal strictly based on its birth date can be challenged and would not meet the intent of the regulation, which is the transport of young animals in a manner that will not cause undue suffering. The following criteria are to be used in the condemnation of veal calves for the purpose of compliance to section 61.1.

17.9.5.9.1 Young Calves Considered as Less Than Two Days of Age

Very young calves received at a slaughter establishment must be subjected as soon as possible to a careful ante mortem examination. Calves presenting the following characteristics must be considered as less than two days of age:

• appearance, behaviour and weight of a newborn. The normal weight is evaluated in regards with the breed and sex of the calf (example: female Jersey calf versus a male Charolais calf);
• the umbilical vein is open and filled with liquid blood (there is no black or dried blood);
• only the narrow edge of the deciduous incisor tooth shows above the gum; and
• the hooves are soft; the "slippers" on the plantar surface of the hooves are incompletely worn.

The establishment's operator must be made aware that these very young animals should not have been transported. If such animals are received at the slaughter establishment, they should be euthanized and treated as a condemned product right away to prevent further suffering.

17.9.5.9.2 Calves Older Than Two Days of Age

There are no consistent signs found during ante and post-mortem examination to characterize young calves older than two days of age. The condemned veal immaturity category should be used only for animals under two days of age (refer to signs described in the above section).

Small calves above two days of age are considered suspects after post-mortem examination if there is evidence of a severe nutritional disorder. Severe nutritional disorder is characterized by the serous atrophy of fat surrounding the heart and the kidneys. Only carcasses affected to this extent should be condemned, regardless of fat appearance in other locations. Other findings occasionally include "water-soaked" appearance of the carcass, flabby muscles which perforate easily and serous infiltration between muscle groups. Carcasses affected with severe nutritional disorder should be condemned for emaciation, and the condemnation reported as such.

Note: Brown fat is not abnormal in calves, but is high-energy fat normally produced by foetuses. If there are nutritional problems after birth, there is no white fat produced.

All cases where there is evidence that such young calves were transported in contravention with the Code of Practices must be reported to the appropriate level for compliance action. See Chapter 12 on Animal Welfare for guidance.

17.9.5.10 Cutaneous Melanomas in Hogs

When cutaneous melanoma lesions also affect an internal organ or are accompanied by systemic effects, the carcass and carcass portions must be condemned. If the cutaneous lesions are ulcerated or invasive or if the lymph nodes are involved (either a hypertrophy of the lymph node or a black tar-like pigmentation), the carcass is held after trimming. The appropriate samples must be sent to the laboratory for histopathological examination. When the results confirm the presence of metastasis, the carcass and carcass portions must be condemned. In other cases, the carcass is released.

The carcass is approved after trimming when the lymph node pigmentation accompanies cutaneous lesions that are regressive on macroscopic examination (without histopathological examination of the lymph nodes). These lesions are said to be regressive when they are fibrosed, non-invasive and there is no tar-like pigment.

17.9.5.11 Malignant Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)

A single confirmed lesion of lymphosarcoma implicates the condemnation of the affected carcass and portions, since there is no way of determining whether it is a primary lesion or a metastasis.

In hogs, the hypertrophy of a single lymph node is often the only macroscopic lesion of the condition. The mandibular or medial iliac lymph nodes are often involved.

In cattle, some cases can be detected on post-mortem examination only by the hypertrophy of a lymph node or spleen, which is generally much larger than normal.

17.9.5.12 Septicemia / Toxemia / Congestion Syndrome (STC)

This designation should always be used in combination. It serves to designate carcasses condemned for an infection (septicemia), poisoning (toxemia) or a generalized congestion in which the systemic effects observed cannot be related to a specific primary condition. It is important to recognize and differentiate septicemia / toxemia from asphyxia, which is an animal welfare issue.

The ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections will reveal the following:

• In the ante-mortem inspection, the animal is depressed and lethargic. Its temperature may vary, depending on the actual state of infection in septicemia, and as systemic involvement progresses toward shock and death.
• Of the various lesions found in the cases of septicemia or toxemia, the following are those most often encountered (in decreasing order of importance):
  • multi focal subserous hemorrhages, which often affect several organs (mostly the endocardium and epicardium); submucosal hemorrhages of the trachea;
  • congestion and oedema of various organs, especially those of the lymphatic system (hepatomegaly and splenomegaly are often present);
  • presence of sites of infection of embolic origin in various organs; and
  • peripheral vasodilatation.

Carcasses showing this syndrome shall be sent to an authorized inedible rendering plant.

17.9.5.13 Schwannoma

Schwannoma are among the most commonly found neoplasms in cattle. They are multi centric benign tumours affecting primarily the following target organs:

• the heart and the mediastinal fat;
• the intercostal nerves;
• the brachial plexus and branching nerves; and
• less frequently, the nerves of the hind quarter.

The condemnation of a portion is mandatory when it is impossible to remove abnormalities without destroying the normal tissues. Note that full carcass condemnation on the basis of malignancy will not apply to this tumour as there is no metastasis; all schwannoma tumours develop individually due to genetic programming. There is no human health risk. As much of the carcass as possible therefore can be saved, given that obviously affected tissue is removed. In cases of schwannomas, the difficulty lies with their multi centric character and with the fact that some lesions become visible only after cutting the muscles to visualize the nerves.

For lesion identification and tissue condemnation based on the extension of the lesions, the following protocol shall be used in order to standardize the disposition approach.

Lesions can also be removed during the trimming/boning procedures under a control program developed, implemented and maintained by the operator and approved by the Veterinarian in Charge. The carcass can be tagged and identified as a schwannoma carcass, and the plant management can, under the control program, handle the cut-down of the carcass and removal of lesions as they are found along the nerve sheaths during processing.

Click on image for larger view

Schwannoma Flow Chart

17.9.5.14 Arthropathy

Although joint problems are often identified on ante-mortem, a large number of arthropathies (both septic and degenerative) come to the kill floor without identification of the carcass as being derived from an ante-mortem suspect animal. Whether or not this is the case, the identification of arthropathy is based mainly on the following three criteria:

• external tumefaction of the joint(s); and/or
• hypertrophy of the medial iliac lymph nodes; and/or
• obvious asymmetry between the two thighs, indicating a coxofemoral pathology, between the two stifles, the two hocks or between the two radial - humeral joints.

Carcass and parts disposition depends on the lesions observed in the articular and/or periarticular areas and the presence of systemic effects. With degenerative arthropathy, carcasses exhibiting only a slight osteochondrosis (little cartilage wear, clear synovial fluid and/or slight hyperemia of the synovial membrane) are accepted as is. When the cartilage is more seriously affected and the synovial villi show a feathery-type hypertrophy, with increased joint fluid, the joint must be condemned. The presence of synovial fluid having a cloudy appearance or containing fibrin combined with a presence of hypertrophied synovial villi resembling polyps also requires condemnation of the joint.

Degenerative arthropathy is usually due to trauma at some point in the raising of the animal. However, it is much more common due to age, old injuries, breeding stress, etc. In both hogs and cattle, the joints that show the above signs have low to no health risk attached to them, and are usually sterile. If the joint is distended with fluid, it will have to be evaluated.

Mild degenerative arthropathy, hygromas and bursitis of the tarsal/metatarsal joints with no hypertrophy of the medial iliac lymph nodes can be removed in a cooler or in the cutting/boning area of the slaughter establishment that has slaughtered the animal, under the following conditions:

• the operator has implemented a written and auditable HACCP-based control program for this procedure, which includes the identification and marking of the affected joints (e.g. with readily identifiable edible ink mark) during the dressing procedure and before final carcass inspection;
• the control program is approved by the Veterinarian in Charge; and
• the operator provides confirmation to CFIA inspection staff that the affected joints have been removed from the carcass before the carcass leaves the designated area where the affected joints are removed.

Severe cases of arthropathy, hygromas/bursitis and cases of polyarthritis and/or purulent periarthritis must be removed and condemned during dressing procedures. In these cases, the assumption of infection is made when the joint fluid is greatly increased in amount, varies from serosanguinous to purulent in colour, the joint villi are severely reactive, the relevant lymph nodes are acutely inflamed, and/ or signs of septicemia occur elsewhere in the carcass e.g. acute endocarditis, renal infarcts, pulmonary or uterine infectious foci. Usually the whole carcass will be condemned, unless it is determined that the infection has been localized. In these cases, individual joints might be removed.

These types of lesions are more common in hogs, although they may occur in cows and rarely in young cattle, and must be part of the differential diagnosis. Bacteria involved include Erysipelothrix, Staphilococcus, Streptococcus and Actinomyces. The potential health risk to humans is much higher than for degenerative arthropathy, and more severe control is needed of the carcass, and any fluid or tissues that are associated with it.

When arthropathy lesions are accompanied by systemic effects or when it is impossible to perform satisfactory trimming of the lesions, without causing contamination, the entire carcass must be condemned.

17.9.5.15 Insufficient Bleeding

This section is currently under review.

17.9.5.16 Parasites

17.9.5.16.1 Cysticercus Spp.

Canada is considered free of cysticercosis of swine. If, on routine inspection, one or more swine carcasses are found to be infected with lesions suggestive of Cysticercus cellulosae, all affected carcasses and their parts must be held pending laboratory confirmation. Carcasses of pigs infected with Cysticercus cellulosae must be totally condemned, no matter the extent of the lesions. The Animal Health District Veterinarian must be informed of confirmed positive cases.

Carcasses of cattle, sheep and other farmed or wild ruminants showing a slight infestation, as described in section 17.9.5.2 may be passed as food if:

• the lesions of Cysticercus ovis and C. tenuiscollis and the surrounding tissues are removed and condemned; AND
• the carcass or the meat derived from the bovine carcass that was affected by Cysticercus bovis is treated according to section section 17.9.5.2; AND
• when Cysticercus bovis is identified, the Animal Health District Veterinarian must be notified.

17.9.5.16.2 Trichinella Spiralis

See Chapter 4 for procedures approved for the destruction of live Trichinella.

17.9.6 List of Disposition Codes for Reporting

Alphabetical	Numerical
001 Abscess	001 Abscess
401 Actinobacillosis	002 Fistula (Withers)
403 Actinomycosis	010 Contamination
910 Anemia	030 Immaturity
065 Antibiotic residues	045 Burnt
512 Arthritis	046 Overscald
051 Bruising	048 Mutilation
045 Burnt	049 Frostbite
420 Caseous lymphadenitis	051 Bruising
010 Contamination	061 Odour (Abnormal odour)
735 Cysticercosis	065 Antibiotic residues
810 Dermatitis/Cellulitis	071 Melanosis
220 Emaciation	079 Xanthosis
572 Endocarditis	095 Hernie
530 Enteritis	096 Insufficient bleeding
435 Erysipelas	097 Loss of identity
002 Fistula (Withers)	099 Found dead
099 Found dead	101 Trichinosis
049 Frostbite	102 Miscellaneous
535 Gastritis	150 Osteomyelitis
495 Granulomatous lymphadenitis	211 White muscle disease
545 Hepatitis	220 Emaciation
095 Hernie	250 Serous atrophy of fat
920 Icterus/Jaundice	261 Necrosis (Muscular)
030 Immaturity	340 Oedema
096 Insufficient bleeding	350 Uremia
097 Loss of identity	401 Actinobacillosis
546 Lymphadenitis	403 Actinomycosis
547 Mastitis	420 Caseous lymphadenitis
071 Melanosis	435 Erysipelas
548 Metritis	440 Paratuberculosis
102 Miscellaneous	445 Omphalophlebitis
048 Mutilation	490 Tuberculosis
551 Myositis (Eosinophillic)	495 Granulomatous lymphadenitis
550 Myositis (NOS)	512 Arthritis
261 Necrosis (Muscular)	530 Enteritis
620 Neoplasm (Bovine squamous cell carcinoma)	535 Gastritis
635 Neoplasm (Lymphosarcoma)	545 Hepatitis
645 Neoplasm (Melanoma)	546 Lymphadenitis
660 Neoplasm (NOS)	547 Mastitis
670 Neoplasm (Schwannoma)	548 Metritis
560 Nephritis	550 Myositis (NOS)
061 Odour (Abnormal odour)	551 Myositis (Eosinophillic)
340 Oedema	560 Nephritis
445 Omphalophlebitis	566 Pyelonephritis
150 Osteomyelitis	571 Pericarditis
046 Overscald	572 Endocarditis
440 Paratuberculosis	573 Peritonitis
571 Pericarditis	577 Pleuritis
573 Peritonitis	579 Pneumonia
577 Pleuritis	620 Neoplasm (Bovine squamous cell carcinoma)
579 Pneumonia	635 Neoplasm (Lymphosarcoma)
566 Pyelonephritis	645 Neoplasm (Melanoma)
930 Septicemia/Toxemia/Congestion	660 Neoplasm (NOS)
250 Serous atrophy of fat	670 Neoplasm (Schwannoma)
855 Traumatic reticulitis complex (Hardware)	735 Cysticercosis
101 Trichinosis	810 Dermatitis/Cellulitis
490 Tuberculosis	855 Traumatic reticulitis complex (Hardware)
350 Uremia	910 Anemia
211 White muscle disease	920 Icterus/Jaundice
079 Xanthosis	930 Septicemia/Toxemia/Congestion

Note: The following conditions: bruising (051), abnormal odour (061), found dead (099), insufficient bleeding (096), loss of identity (097), will be recorded by the operator and transmitted to the CFIA for monthly report purposes into the Animal Industry Market Information System (AIMIS) on-line database managed by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada and maintained for market information purposes.

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