Which of the following is NOT listed as an SRM in cattle of all ages?

• A. Vertebral column and dorsal root ganglia
• B. Tonsils and distal ileum
• C. Spinal cord and trigeminal ganglia
• D. Skull, eyes, and brain

Answer: (A)

SRMs are tissues known to carry BSE prions and are designated for removal or disposal to reduce risk. Some tissues are SRMs no matter the animal’s age, while others are only SRMs for older cattle. Vertebral column and dorsal root ganglia are not part of the SRM list that applies to cattle of all ages; their SRM status is age-dependent in many regulatory schemes, so they are not listed as SRMs for cattle of all ages. The other tissues mentioned—such as brain, skull, and eyes (and spinal cord)—are SRMs across all ages, with additional tissues like tonsils, distal ileum, and trigeminal ganglia treated as SRMs in older cattle. Thus, vertebral column and dorsal root ganglia match the description of not being listed as SRMs for cattle of all ages.