Bovine TB: Health and safety implications of bovine TB reactor cattle for slaughterhouse personnel
This information is to advise you of the precautions taken at slaughterhouses to stop the risk of infection from bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
Risks
Carcases of cattle sent for routine slaughter may show lesions of bTB infection. Although cases of bTB in humans are extremely rare, slaughterhouse personnel are potentially at risk of infection from Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), via three routes:
-
Inhalation of aerosol, e.g. aerosols created by coughing animals when checking ear tags prior to slaughter
-
Accidental ingestion, e.g. if correct hygiene procedures are not followed
-
Through broken skin, e.g. as a result of cuts, scratches or other uncovered wounds.
COSHH Regulations
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 apply and require that slaughterhouse managers carry out an assessment of the risks from bTB to employees and identify the precautions necessary to control that risk. Managers are also required to provide suitable and sufficient information, instructions and training to enable employees to know about the risk, and the precautions they should take.
Reporting
All tuberculosis in humans is notifiable under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to the proper officer of the local authority (normally the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control). M. bovis TB is also specifically reportable to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Disease and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations (RIDDOR). Further information on occupational health risks from bTB can be found on our public health page.
Implications for Slaughterhouse personnel
Slaughterhouse personnel will not be asked by Defra / MHS staff to carry out any detailed or close work with bTB infected animals, other than that involved in the normal slaughtering process. Nor will they be asked to assist with the selection or handling of any samples which may be taken for further examination as this is the responsibility of Defra / MHS staff. However, staff occasionally volunteer to help with the harvesting of tissue samples.
Any activity carried out by Defra or MHS staff on slaughterhouse premises, will be done in such a way as to minimise the risks to themselves and slaughterhouse staff. Defra/MHS staff will comply at all times with their own and any local Health and Safety Regulations.
Appropriate guidance should be sought from suppliers of cleaning chemicals concerning their suitability for disinfecting M. bovis contaminated work areas and the subsequent disposal of waste water.
Further information
Click here for further information on protecting public
health
Page last modified:
July 7, 2008