POST-MORTEM LESIONS IN BULLFROGS (RANA CATESBEIANA SHAW, 1802) FROM SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT

The results of post-mortem inspections on bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) coming from commercial slaughterhouses, carried out by the inspection service of food from animal origin in the regions of Campinas and Vale do Paraíba, in São Paulo State, Brazil, between 1998 and 2002, are here reported. The following were observed: edema lesions in the cervical region; hemorrhagic spots in the muscles of the legs; avulsion of nervous plexus; degeneration of muscular tissue in the legs and the presence of intra-muscular nodules in the legs and dorsal region. The cause of the avulsion of nervous plexus could have been by atypical movement of spinal column and bad posture of the animals due to floor and/or the height of the shelter; edema in the cervical region and degenerative lesions of the leg could be due to traumas; the intra-muscular nodules were the consequence of an inflammatory reaction to the presence of parasitic protozoas; and the hemorrhagic spots could be related to protein deficiency. The carcasses which showed avulsion, nodules, edema and degeneration were discarded for consumer health reasons, the ones with spots were analysed, approved and made available for consumption. These are always rare occurrences, affecting few animals. They are not characterised as transmissible diseases within frogs or as probable zoonoses.

KEY WORDS:
Bullfrog; Rana catesbeiana ; post-mortem lesions; food inspection.