A qualitative assessment of the probability of human exposure to Trichinella spp. in Switzerland

Abstract

<p>Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella spp. Pork is a potential source of infection for humans. A qualitative assessment was conducted to assess the probability of human exposure to Trichinella spp. in Switzerland via the consumption of pork. For the assessment, both the wildlife cycle and the domestic cycle were taken into account. The probability of occurrence of Trichinella infections in domestic pigs was assessed negligible under controlled housing systems due to biosecurity measures. Free-range pigs were assessed to have a very low probability of being infected. Pork from free-range pigs that were not tested for Trichinella spp. was estimated to carry a very low probability for human exposure to Trichmella spp.</p>