Indicator and pathogenic microorganisms contamination of hide of cattle presented for slaughter and contamination of the resultant carcasses

Foodborne pathogens including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp., can enter the meat chain at multiple points. Animals with excessively dirty hides will represent a risk of cross-contaminations during transport, in the slaughtered house environment and during dressing procedures. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship among hygiene indicator microorganisms (Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli) count, in hide and carcass of cattle presented for slaughter, and different hide cleanliness level in two abattoir (R and F) and estimate the prevalence of pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp and Campylobacter spp. in hide and carcass of dirty animals. The results showed that hide Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae count were significantly higher in dirty animals than in clean animals (P<0,05), but carcass contamination were significantly higher in dirty animals than in clean animals only in R abattoir. Escherichia coli O 157:H7 was detected in 19 samples of hide (40,4%), and 2 samples of carcass. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated in 13 samples of hide (25,5%) and one sample of carcass. Salmonella spp. were not found in all the samples of hide and carcass.