Diagnosis and Identification of Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Cattle at Abattoirs: Current Trends and Future Prospectus

Abstract

Zoonoses are illnesses and infections that spread spontaneously from animals to people. They account for over 70% of recently developing infectious illnesses. Meat from cattle is one of the main sources of red meat and essential element of human diet. Meat inspection (MI) is an important aspect to ensure the safety during handling and consuming of meat and meat by-products. Abattoir or modern slaughterhouse is the place where infections are acquired by the workers or veterinary professional as zoonoses. Bacterial zoonotic diseases such as erysipelothricosis, brucella, listeria, and anthrax and viral zoonotic diseases like cow pox, foot and mouth disease, and rift valley fever are causing great economic losses and are important in terms of zoonoses. These zoonotic diseases are mostly diagnosed at abattoir levels using conventional approaches; however, diagnosis and identification of these diseases using latest methods is an important aspect for ensuring meat safety and hygiene. This chapter will discuss the current trends and future prospects about diagnosis and identification of these zoonotic diseases.