Animals which have been tagged for pregnancy and which have not been exposed to any infectious or contagious disease are not required to be slaughtered, but before any such animal is removed from the establishment the tag shall be detached by a Department employee and returned with his report to the inspector in charge.
(a) If any pathological condition is suspected in which the question of temperature is important, such as Texas fever, anthrax, pneumonia, blackleg, or septicemia, the exact temperature should be taken. Due consideration, however, must be given to the fact that extremely high temperatures may be found in otherwise normal hogs when subjected to exercise or excitement, and a similar condition may obtain to a less degree among other classes of animals. Animals commonly termed “downers,” or crippled animals, shall be tagged, as provided for in [Regulation 20], in the abattoir pens for the purpose of identification at the time of slaughter, and shall be passed upon in accordance with these regulations.
Post-mortem Inspection at Time of Slaughter.
Regulation 14.
The inspector or his assistants shall, at the time of slaughter, make a careful inspection of all animals slaughtered. The head, tail, thymus gland, bladder, caul, and the entire viscera, and all parts and blood used in the preparation of meat food products shall be retained in such manner as to preserve their identity until after the post-mortem examination has been completed, in order that they may be identified in case of condemnation of the carcass. Suitable racks or metal receptacles shall be provided for retaining such parts.
Carcasses and parts thereof found to be sound, healthful, wholesome, and fit for human food shall be passed and marked as provided in these regulations.
Should any lesion of disease or other condition that would probably render the meat or any organ unfit for food purposes be found on post-mortem examination, such meat or organ shall be marked immediately with a tag, as provided in [Regulation 27]. Carcasses which have been so marked shall not be washed or trimmed unless such washing or trimming is authorized by the inspector.
DISPOSAL OF DISEASED CARCASSES AND ORGANS.
Regulation 15.
The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all animals which are slaughtered at an establishment where inspection is maintained, and which are found at time of slaughter or at any subsequent inspection to be affected with any of the diseases or conditions named below shall be disposed of according to the section of this regulation pertaining to the disease or condition. It is to be understood, however, that owing to the fact that it is impracticable to formulate rules covering every case, and to designate at just what stage a process becomes loathsome or a disease noxious, the decision as to the disposition of all carcasses, parts, or organs not specifically covered by these regulations shall be left to the veterinary inspector in charge. Carcasses found, before evisceration has taken place, to be affected with an infectious or contagious disease, including tuberculosis, shall not be eviscerated at the regular killing bed or bench, but shall be taken to the retaining room, or other specially prepared place, separate from other carcasses, and there opened and examined.