Avian tuberculosis in pigs: miliary lesions in bacon pigs

An outbreak of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium type 2 is described which resulted in the total condemnation of 26 carcasses and partial condemnation of tissues and organs of a further 200 animals. Circumstantial evidence is presented that hens running in the farmyard were the source of the infection. Examinations of the carcasses and organs of the diseased pigs suggested that the accepted pathogenesis of the disease is incorrect and a new hypothesis is presented. The problems for the meat inspector in differentiating tuberculosis from 'milk-spot liver' are discussed and recommendations made. The findings of the study are discussed in the light of 'The Meat Inspection Regulations 1963' and it is recommended that where tuberculosis is suspected there is no longer any necessity to split the carcasses. The public health implications of this study are discussed.