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Risk evaluation regarding the parasites of the genus Trichinella in Belgium: Current situation and perspectives

Abstract:

This article presents a current epidemiological analysis of the Belgian situation regarding the parasites belonging to the genus Trichinella. Based on official data obtained with the artificial digestion method, the real prevalence of Trichinella in Belgium is estimated at 0.0025% in wild boars and at 0.2% in foxes. In domestic swine, horses and the other domestic and/or wild animal species, the prevalence is zero. In man, the last case of trichinellosis caused by consumption of pork dated from 1893, and the last case caused by consumption of wild boar meat dated from 1978. The probability that the Belgian domestic swine population is free of Trichinella is higher than 97%. Based on these data, the risk level of Trichinella in Belgium can be considered as negligible. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2075/2005, Belgium is in the position to submit a request to be officially recognized by the European Commission as a region where the risk of Trichinella in domestic swine is negligible, in order to benefit, in case of acceptance, from an alleviated surveillance program. Within this alleviated surveillance program it is no longer necessary to test slaughter pigs raised under controlled housing conditions. On the other hand, it remains necessary to test systematically all domestic swine at risk (outdoor-reared pigs and breeding pigs) and all horses. Concerning the wild fauna, it is recommended to test wild boars systematically, and to test annually a number of foxes, rats and other wild carnivores. The importance of strictly respecting of the bio-security measures on the pig farm is also underlined.