Which tissue list represents a specified risk material (SRM) for cattle 30 months of age and older?

Which tissue list represents a specified risk material (SRM) for cattle 30 months of age and older?

• A. The brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column, and dorsal root ganglia.
• B. The heart and liver.
• C. The distal ileum.
• D. The tonsils.

Answer: (A)

SRMs are tissues with the highest risk of containing prions in cattle, so they’re specifically removed from the food chain to prevent transmission. In cattle aged 30 months and older, prions concentrate in nervous system tissues and related structures. That’s why the list includes the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column, and dorsal root ganglia. These tissues are where prions are most likely to be present, making them SRMs for this age group. Heart and liver aren’t considered SRMs in this context, and distal ileum or tonsils aren’t the designated high-prion tissues for cattle 30 months and older in this specific rule set.

SRMs are tissues with the highest risk of containing prions in cattle, so they’re specifically removed from the food chain to prevent transmission. In cattle aged 30 months and older, prions concentrate in nervous system tissues and related structures. That’s why the list includes the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column, and dorsal root ganglia. These tissues are where prions are most likely to be present, making them SRMs for this age group. Heart and liver aren’t considered SRMs in this context, and distal ileum or tonsils aren’t the designated high-prion tissues for cattle 30 months and older in this specific rule set.