Pathogens affecting beef

Description

Mankind has long recognized that animals harbour disease. Zoonotic pathogens are agents from animals that cause disease in humans. This chapter reviews the zoonotic diseases related to cattle. It describes zoonotic parasites and viruses and the pathogens related to cattle. Historically, good management practices and animal husbandry have improved the safety of beef supply. Therefore, pathogen control using good animal management and biosecurity practices, as well as the use of vaccines, is explained.

Table of contents

1 Introduction
2 Zoonotic diseases related to cattle: anthrax, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), brucellosis and tuberculosis
3 Zoonotic parasites and viruses related to cattle: Cryptosporidium, Giardia and haemorrhagic fevers
4 Major zoonotic pathogens related to cattle: Escherichia coli., Salmonella and Campylobacter
5 Additional pathogens related to cattle: Leptospira, Listeria and other pathogens
6 Pathogen control: good animal management and biosecurity practices
7 Pathogen control: use of vaccines
8 Pathogen control: non-traditional interventions
9 Summary and future trends
10 Where to look for further information
11 References