Source: USDA, 10/9/15

Beginning with Dairy Cow and Bob Veal slaughter classes, FSIS is launching a pilot project to increase efficiencies of in-plant testing and to provide inspection program personnel (IPP) with more specific guidance. The intent of this project is to not increase the overall testing rate, but to provide more effective guidance to Public Health Veterinarians (PHVs) regarding conditions selected for testing.

The conditions selected for prioritization (see below) represent the top one third of conditions found associated with positive (both non-violative and violative) laboratory results on a national basis. With¬out increasing the level of testing already taking place, PHVs in the pilot establishments will select from these conditions for residue screen testing on a primary emphasis basis. The selections from these lists should be in lieu of selections from the list of the pathologies and conditions currently in FSIS Directive 10,800.1, Rev. 1. However, this project does not eliminate professional judgment. Other conditions, not included on the primary selection list, can still be screen tested on a secondary emphasis basis.

Dairy Cows
• Rectal/Vaginal Prolapse
• Lung Abscess/Pneumonia
• Bolus
• Traumatic Reticulitis Complex/Pericarditis/Endocarditis
• Peritonitis
• Enteritis
Bob Veal
• Supplier with Repeat Residue Violations
• Injection Site
• Emaciation
• Peritonitis

Establishments selected for the pilot are those where the PHV is screening a high percentage of suspect and retained carcasses to enable FSIS to monitor the conditions leading to railed out carcasses.

FSIS anticipates this pilot will continue for a period of 2-3 months and will provide regular updates to stakeholders on its progress.