Hazards of Animal Diseases from Raw Former Foodstuffs of Animal Origin

Former raw meat by-products from retail trade are foodstuffs of animal origin, which are removed from market due to expire of date or due to some other reason. This report discusses factors that affect possibility that classical swine fever, foot and mouth disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza may spread to domestic animals via former raw meat products or end products of them from biogas and composting plants. Classical swine fever, foot and mouth disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza does not occur in Finland at present. Fresh meat has been imported to Finland in 2005–2007 from countries where these animal diseases have occurred. If infection or virus is not detected in time, meat contaminated with virus may end up on the market. Consequently, former meat by products from the retail trade could carry viruses. If risk management in the food chain fails or the treatment process for former meat by-products is insufficient, possible infection routes of swine fever, foot and mouth disease or highly pathogen avian influenza from former meat by-products to domestic animals may appear. Possible infection routes may include e.g. wild animals or contaminated water or fertiliser.FI; fi; efsafocalpoint@evira.f