Abstract

The need to determine the scientific base and cost-effectiveness of traditional inspection methods is particularly important in New Zealand, a major exporter of sheep meat. Risk assessment as applied to potential human health hazards in a broad sphere can also be adapted to risk associated with a meat inspection programme. Risk associated with an export inspection programme aimed at maintaining market access must include human health, animal health and aesthetic defects. A quantitative risk assessment model is described for 2 different inspection methods for liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in adult sheep. Unless sensitivity and specificity data are produced, quantitative risk assessments are statistically invalid. Determination of specificity also allows cost-benefit analyses to be correctly performed.

KL, Macmillan, AM Day, VK Taufa, HV Henderson, and PA Allison

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 47, , 65-68, 1987