Abstract:
Abattoirs are facilities where livestock are slaughtered and are an important
aspect in the food production chain. There are several types of abattoirs, which
differ in infrastructure and facilities, sanitation and PPE practices, and adherence
to regulations. In each abattoir facility, worker exposure to animals and animal
products increases their risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens. Backyard
abattoirs and slaughter slabs have the highest risk of pathogen transmission
because of substandard hygiene practices and minimal infrastructure. These
abattoir conditions can often contribute to environmental contamination and
may play a significant role in disease outbreaks within communities. To assess
further the risk of disease, we conducted a scoping review of parasites and
pathogens among livestock and human workers in abattoirs across 13 Eastern
African countries, which are hotspots for zoonoses. Our search results (n = 104
articles) showed the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and macroparasites
(nematodes, cestodes, etc.) in cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, and poultry. Most
articles reported results from cattle, and the most frequent pathogen detected was
Mycobacterium bovis, which causes bovine tuberculosis. Some articles included
worker survey and questionnaires that suggested how the use of PPE along with
proper worker training and safe animal handling practices could reduce disease
risk. Based on these findings, we discuss ways to improve abattoir biosafety and
increase biosurveillance for disease control and mitigation. Abattoirs are a ‘catch
all’ for pathogens, and by surveying animals at abattoirs, health officials can
determine which diseases are prevalent in different regions and which pathogens
are most likely transmitted from wildlife to livestock. We suggest a regional
approach to biosurveillance, which will improve testing and data gathering for
enhanced disease risk mapping and forecasting. Next generation sequencing will
be key in identifying a wide range of pathogens, rather than a targeted approach.
