Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Sold Meat in the Butcher Shops of Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia
2 Abstract: The study was carried out from November 2011 to April 2012, through which purposive sampling methodology was used to assess the bacteriological quality of sold meat in abattoir and butcher shop of Adigrat. On a total of 80 meat samples (20 samples from each stage; abattoir and butcher house of hanging meat, minced meat and refrigerated meat). The mean values of bacterial load of hanging meat, minced meat, abattoir meatand refrigerated meat were 5.5x10 , 6.5x10 , 3.2x10 and 3x10 CFU/g respectively indicating high 777 7 mean values of microbial load in the hanging meat and minced meat sales with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).Theresult also indicated that 13.75, 46.25 and 40% of the meat are acceptable,marginally acceptable and unacceptable respectively. The major bacterial pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aurous Streptococcus species and non-lactose fermenting bacteria. Most of the isolated bacteria were susceptible for the commonly used antimicrobials.Careless handling of meat at the slaughtering places and butcher shops affect the quality of meat which indicated as the presence of contamination. Therefore, particular attention to meat hygienic should be strengthened in both butcher houses and abattoirs workers.
Causes of losses and the economic loss estimates at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain in Uganda
Uganda’s beef industry has been growing slowly and requires sustained monitoring of actors at post-harvest handling points in order to decrease public health risks and losses. This study documented causes of losses and estimated economic values at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain. It was carried out at slaughter houses, transporters and butcher shops in the districts of Western, Central and Eastern Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted among meat handlers who were interviewed to find out the losses incurred in the value chain. Microbial load from carcass swabs were collected and evaluated using standard microbiological methods to determine microbial contamination of beef. The causes of losses varied at different handling points. The actors at slaughter houses indicated the major losses were due to low beef demand (15.3%), insecurity (13.4%) and poor weight estimation methods (11.03%). Losses at the butchery included, beef waste (22.4%), drip loss (19.7%) and beef spoilage (18.4%). Microbial analysis showed the highest microbial prevalence at the butchery (70-100%) followed by slaughter (50-80%) and lastly transport (30-50%). Microbial contamination on carcass leads to spoilage and hence market loss because exportation does not admit contaminated foods. Actors reported beef waste and drip loss as the major causes of losses at the butchery. To reduce losses, public health care education for meat handlers and adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a key. 
 
 Key words: Losses, post-harvest, beef value chain, handling points, Uganda.
Veterinary public health activities at FAO: cysticercosis and echinococcosis.
In many developing and transition countries, parasitic zoonoses such as cysticercosis and echinococcosis cause serious human suffering and considerable losses in agricultural and human productivity, thus posing a significant hindrance to their development. Although, effective and reliable tools for the diagnosis, prevention and control of parasitic zoonoses are now available, their implementation has not always been successful in many countries. This is primarily due to the lack of awareness on the presence or impact of the causing parasites (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium and Echinococcus spp.). In addition, often the needed intersectorial cooperation, resource management and political commitment for their control are (also) absent. FAO's regular programme has established a global network of professionals directly involved in zoonotic and food-borne diseases. The network provides a basic framework for the spread of information related to the diagnosis, prevention and control of major zoonotic diseases including cysticercosis and echinococcosis.