A scoping review of zoonotic parasites and pathogens associated with abattoirs in Eastern Africa and recommendations for abattoirs as disease surveillance sites

Abattoirs are facilities where livestock slaughtered and an important aspect in the food production chain. There several types of abattoirs, which differ infrastructure facilities, sanitation PPE practices, adherence to regulations. In each abattoir facility, worker exposure animals animal products increases their risk infection from zoonotic pathogens. Backyard abattoirs slaughter slabs have highest pathogen transmission because substandard hygiene practices minimal infrastructure. These conditions can often contribute environmental contamination may play a significant role disease outbreaks within communities. To assess further disease, we conducted scoping review parasites pathogens among human workers across 13 Eastern African countries, hotspots for zoonoses. Our search results ( n = 104 articles) showed presence bacteria, viruses, fungi, macroparasites (nematodes, cestodes, etc.) cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, poultry. Most articles reported most frequent detected was Mycobacterium bovis , causes bovine tuberculosis. Some included survey questionnaires that suggested how use along with proper training safe handling could reduce risk. Based on these findings, discuss ways improve biosafety increase biosurveillance control mitigation. ‘ catch all ’ pathogens, by surveying at health officials determine diseases prevalent different regions likely transmitted wildlife livestock. We suggest regional approach biosurveillance, will testing data gathering enhanced mapping forecasting. Next generation sequencing be key identifying wide range rather than targeted approach.