Trichinosis in Thailand during 1962-1983

Various studies on trichinosis in Thailand since the first outbreak in 1962 up until 15 July 1983 are reviewed. There were 67 outbreaks, affecting 2,792 persons and resulting in 85 deaths. Most of the outbreaks occurred in the north of the country which is mountainous. Hilltribe pigs and wild boars were the common sources of human infection. Incidence of Trichinella spiralis larvae in dog meat in the area favoring of dog meat consumption is cautioned to create a public health problem in the future. Some Thai dishes are proved as viable T. spiralis larvae source due to cooking procedures. Control measures of trichinosis launched by the Department of Livestock Development are described.