Tips

How to Choose Pork That’s Free From Foot-and-Mouth Disease

"There has been a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in pigs, with infected meat appearing at slaughterhouses and markets in Ha Tinh. This has understandably caused concern among the local population. So, how can you identify meat from a pig infected with foot-and-mouth disease? The tell-tale signs are bruising, a slimy texture, and a pale appearance."

Administrator

2 September, 2024

Identifying Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Pork

It can be challenging to identify diseased pork as the head and legs are often chopped off. Therefore, pay attention to the thigh, groin, and armpit areas, as well as the folds of the meat. These areas typically exhibit ulcers or lesions.

When you touch the meat, it should feel less elastic and somewhat slimy, leaving a residue on your fingertips.

Examine the skin carefully and avoid purchasing pork with indented skin, small red spots, or bruises.

The fat of diseased pork will have a reddish-pink hue that fades to a pale color over time. The meat may also appear unusually glossy and plump.

Particularly in the throat, thigh, groin, and armpit areas, you may notice enlarged lymph nodes due to congestion, which can appear as reddish-purple bruises.

The heart and intestines of pork affected by foot-and-mouth disease will show signs of softening and loss of firmness in the heart muscles.

Tips for Choosing Safe Pork

– Purchase pork that has been inspected and passed quarantine measures from reputable vendors, shops, or large supermarkets. Avoid buying cheap, untraceable, or floating-price pork.

– Refrain from buying pork with abnormal coloring, blood pooling, or a putrid odor.

For further reference:

Source: nld.com.vn

With this information, I hope you can avoid purchasing pork affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Opt for pork from large supermarkets to ensure its safety and protect your family’s health during this epidemic season.

Frequently asked questions

Look for pork with a light pink color and a firm, moist texture. Avoid pork with dark spots or a dry, flaky appearance. Ensure the pork is properly refrigerated and displayed in a clean environment. Check for official stamps or marks indicating the pork has been inspected and approved by veterinary authorities.

Signs of foot-and-mouth disease in pigs include blisters and lesions on the tongue, mouth, teats, and feet. Affected pigs may also show symptoms such as drooling, lameness, and a refusal to eat.

The disease is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, and feed. It can also be transmitted through the air over short distances.

Strict biosecurity measures should be implemented, including disinfecting equipment, controlling vehicle and human movement, and isolating new or purchased animals. It is also important to source pigs from reputable farms with high health standards and to maintain good herd management practices.

If you suspect any signs of foot-and-mouth disease in your pigs, immediately contact your local veterinary authorities. Early reporting and swift action are crucial to controlling the spread of the disease.