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Horse trichinellosis, an unresolved puzzle
E Pozio1, A Tamburrini, G La Rosa
1Laboratory of Parasitology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. pozio@iss.it
Parasite (Paris, France)
|August 4, 2001
Summary
Human infections from horse meat persist despite controls. Inadequate veterinary oversight of imported horses, particularly from Eastern Europe, is a key factor in Trichinella transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Foodborne Illness Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Trichinella larvae in horse meat pose a risk despite routine controls.
- Human infections from consuming horse meat are reported in France and Italy.
- The epidemiology of horse trichinellosis has been documented since 1975.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the epidemiology of horse trichinellosis.
- To investigate the transmission routes of Trichinella in horses.
- To highlight the need for improved detection methods and address economic impacts.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on horse trichinellosis.
- Analysis of veterinary control effectiveness for imported horses.
- Investigation of human outbreaks linked to horse meat consumption.
Main Results:
- Inadequate veterinary controls on imported horses are implicated in human infections.
- Horses imported from Eastern Europe are frequently linked to outbreaks.
- Re-emerging pig trichinellosis in Eastern Europe is a primary source for horses.
Conclusions:
- Current veterinary controls are insufficient to prevent Trichinella transmission via horse meat.
- Enhanced detection methods for Trichinella in horses are crucial.
- Addressing the source of infection in exporting countries is vital for public health.