EUROPEAN PROPOSAL FOR ALTERNATIVE TRICHINELLA CONTROL IN DOMESTIC PIGS

A working group of the Scientific Veterinary Committee has advised the European Commission to accept an alternative control system for trich inellosis in domestic pigs raised under modern farming circumstances. It is recognised that certain areas in Europe have a very low degree o f Trichinella sp. infection in wild life and domestic animals. Moreove r various Trichinella species involved may or may not play a major rol e in causing disease in man (trichinellosis). Literature research has indicated that human trichinellosis outbreaks in Europe in the past de cades were not caused by meat of animals raised in modern or industria lised farms, but originated conventionally maintained animals or wild life. After careful defining matters such as 'non-endemic areas', 'mic robiological barriers' Trichinella free exploitation' and indicator an imals the following proposal is put forward: Provided that in a non-en demic area modern (industrialised) farmkeeping is taking place swine f rom such farms constitute no risk for consumers regarding trichinellos is and consequently no control at the abattoir is requested. However, to keep informed about the epidemiological status of such area all con ventionally kept swine, all horses and wild life will be examined at s laughter with the EC-accepted methods (trichinoscopy, artificial diges tion). Moreover in such areas indicator animals (e.g. foxes) have to b e examined at a regular basis for trichinellosis. Data of these examin ations are reported to Brussels at yearly intervals. Finally, regulati ons are suggested in case of exceptional Trichinella findings in such non-endemic areas. Isolation of the parasite and typing at the interna tional trichinellosis reference centre (Rome) are requested before the Commission in Brussels is advised by a scientific working group how t o handle and judge in such situation.