An official website of the United States government.
<p>An appraisal of historical inspection data collection procedures, recording forms and documentation were carried out and a listing by species of diseases and conditions to record (i.e. defining current data needs) was produced.
Historical inspection data was evaluated to obtain a listing by species, of diseases and conditions being recorded, data quality issues and variation (i.e. defining current data provided). The range of data was over three years (2007-2009).
Current data needs were compared with the current data to identify gaps and provide recommendations on these how gaps might be filled. Findings were communicated via a final project report and poster summary. The project findings will also be presented in a peer reviewed paper relating to veterinary surveillance strategies. </p>
<p>Background: (FS245001) Current ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection procedures carried out by the FSA Operations Group (MHS) enable the identification of diseases of public or animal health significance and the monitoring of animal welfare. Inspections focus on detecting infections associated with visible or palpable lesions and legislation and inspection procedures enable animals and carcases unfit for human consumption to be excluded from the food chain. Inspection records on specific diseases and non-specific conditions and analysis of this inspection data (both current and historic) may have potential use in the monitoring of diseases and conditions. In addition, possible issues of quality or gaps within the collected data and recording procedures can be identified to improve the epidemiological surveillance of relevant public health, animal health and welfare conditions. </p>