Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is the main facultative organism of contagious intramammary infections from lactating animals. It is considered a major foodborne organism that can cause food poisoning conditions around the world. Camels are very important to the lifestyle of many countries because they can produce milk that contains the major components such as proteins, energy, vitamins, and minerals. The present study used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method on a base of the nuc gene as a target gene, which is a specific gene that recognizes the S. aureus amongst other microorganisms. Fifty milk samples have been collected from camels from different areas of the Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. According to the phenotypic characteristics, isolation and identification of S. aureus have been accomplished by characterizing the shape of the colonies, painting the suspected isolates by gram stain, using the biochemical tests such as coagulase and catalase. In this study, S. aureus was isolated from 70% (35/50) camel milk samples. The classical method of identifying the S. aureus isolated from camel milk was consistent with the PCR method. The PCR technique indicated that all positive S. aureus possessed the nuc gene. The increased percentage of S. aureus isolated from the camel milk has a relationship with the type of farm management, poor nutrition, and/or environmental conditions, rather than treatment of the infected camel. The PCR method is considered one of the best-used techniques to identify the S. aureus isolated from camel milk by detection of nuc gene, the specific gene of S. aureus.

Lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) were investigated in 160 local and imported meat samples of cattle and buffalo collected from markets of Mosul city by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reported mean concentrations of Pb and Cr in local cattle meat 0.136 and 0.0651 mg/kg, respectively significantly higher than that reported for Co 0.008 mg/kg. In imported cattle meat, results revealed that Pb presented a mean concentration 0.182 mg/kg significantly higher than that presented by Cr and Co 0.0486 and 0.00971 mg/kg, respectively. No significant differences in the mean concentrations of Pb, Cr and Co in local buffalo meat 0.119, 0.0896 and 0.017 mg/kg, respectively, and imported buffalo meat 0.106, 0.102 and 0.041 mg/kg, respectively, were reported. The results revealed that 20% from each local cattle and buffalo meat samples, 12.5% from imported cattle meat and 22.5% from imported buffalo meat were exceeded the maximum permissible limit for lead in meat. Concerning Cr, 2.5% from imported cattle meat and 5% from each of local and imported buffalo meat surpassed the maximum acceptable limit. Ultimately, results showed that all samples of local and imported cattle and buffalo meat were within the maximum allowable limits for Co. The hazards of metals on public health was discussed.

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Paratuberculosis or Johne's disease is a chronic debilitating disease mainly infects ruminants and caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Previous serological studies in Mosul city confirm the presence of positive reactants for paratuberculosis in cattle. However, culture methods to confirm the disease need a long incubation period and also special media. Raw cow's milk is considered as potential source for transmission of M. paratuberculosis in cows' herds. Accordingly, this study aimed to detect the presence of M. paratuberculosis specifically in the raw cow's milk using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique as a rapid, sensitive and reliable method. A total of 50 samples of raw cow's milk were collected from cows suffering from emaciation and unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. All the samples were subjected to DNA extraction and direct amplification PCR. The results showed that 3 (6%) out of 50 milk samples were positive for M. paratuberculosis. This is the first study in Mosul city that confirms the presence of M. paratuberculosis in raw cow's milk using PCR technique. In conclusion, raw cow's milk could be an important source for M. paratuberculosis infection in dairy cows, and also PCR technique could be helpful in rapid diagnosis of paratuberculosis.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is considered a significant food-borne microorganism that causes food poisoning infections in humans every year. E. coli O157:H7 has various virulence factors such as Shiga-toxin encoding (Stx1 and Stx2). Meat and its products are considered the best meals that consumers eat every day worldwide, but meat and its products are exposed to contamination through unhygienic processing, handling, and storage. The aim of the study was the isolation of E. coli O157:H7 and detection of the uidA, Stx1, and Stx2 genes. 504 samples of meat and butchers' shops were gathered from diverse areas in Mosul city. Classical and molecular biology techniques were used to isolate and identify E. coli O157:H7. The results appeared to indicate the total number of E. coli isolates in this study was 138 and the spread rate of E. coli O157:H7 isolated was 9.4% (13/138). The spread rate of E. coli O157:H7 was high in workers hands 4 (20%), while we did not detect E. coli O157:H7 in Machines. Additionally, all E. coli O157:H7 have the uidA, and Stx2 genes at 100%, while 92.3% of E. coli O157:H7 possess the Stx1 gene. The study concludes E. coli O157:H7 occurrences in meats and butchers' shops and that all equipment and tools used were capable of transmitting E. coli O157:H7 to meats. Meats and butchers' shops are a risk to humans who consume the uncooked meats.