Controlling the spread of TSEs by diagnosis of meat and bone meals and animal feeds: Review of methods

AGRO 152

Bruce R. Ritter, bruce@elisa-tek.com, ELISA Technologies, Inc, 4581-L NW 6th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609
Controlling the spread of TSE's requires prevention of feeding infected tissues to healthy animals. Rendering and recycling animal proteins from slaughtered animals in the form of meat and bone meals is practiced because it is a good source of protein and because it saves the costs of destroying or disposing of the material. However, the practice of recycling animal proteins can result in the spread of TSEs. Determination of proper heating and of the species and tissue content of the animal proteins in rendered meat and bone meals and animal feeds present unique analytical challenges. The immunoassays available include the USDA Cooked Meat Species ELISA, the Meat and Bone Meal Thermal Evaluation ELISA, and a new method based on monoclonal antibodies raised to species troponin I. A comparison of test methods includes discussion of test characteristics that need to be considered in selecting an effective means of determining compliance with feed regulations.