The sylvatic Trichinella cycle and its implications for Trichinella control in Germany

Trichinellosis is a food-borne, zoonotic disease caused by a parasitic organism. Pork containing muscle larvae represents the most important source of human trichinellosis. In Germany, each slaughtered domestic swine is systematically sampled and examined for Trichinella spp. European Union legislation (EC (No.) 2075/2005) condones the approach of a risk-oriented meat inspection for Trichinella in pigs which is accompanied by monitoring programmes for pig holdings and reservoir animals. Here we discuss the current epidemiological situation of Trichinella in the sylvatic cycle in Germany and the implications for the implementation of risk-based sampling.