Parasitic lesions observed in cattle slaughtered for human consumption

During a period of 28 months (January 2011-April 2013) periodical visits were made to four cattle slaughter houses to collect samples of lesions found in cattle slaughtered for human consumption. Three hundred and three lesions were collected, 25% of which were caused by six different parasites: The metacestodes of Echinocccus granulosus (hydatid cysts), Fasciola hepatica, the metacestodes of Taenia saginata (Cysticercus bovis), Oesophagostomum radiatum, Eurythrema coelomaticum, and Paramphistomum cervi. Gross and microscopic aspects of the lesions caused by these worms are profusely illustrated and a detailed description of both pathological aspects, gross and microscopic, are provide in the hopes that the neophyte veterinary meat inspector can benefit from them in the task of recognition and interpretation of the significance of these lesion both to human and animal health. In regard to the two latter objectives, the life cycle, and the pathogenicity to the animal and human hosts, and the destination of the affected carcass or organ in the line of inspection are discussed for each parasite.