Blasting Brains From Pigs' Heads

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an illness reported at pig slaughterhouses by workers blasting the brains out of pigs' heads using jets of compressed air.

Originally seen at the Quality Pork Processors Inc. plant in Austin, MN, the illness is described as neurological with changes in sensation and weakness in the limbs. Eleven Minnesota workers were afflicted.

According to Lola Russell, spokeswoman for the CDC, the illness is only associated with slaughterhouse workers who handle pigs' heads. Only three plants (MN, IN and NE) have been identified as having used compressed air to blast pig brains and all three have ceased using the technique.