Verification of good production practices that reduce the risk of exposureof pigs to Trichinella

Control of Trichinella infection in swine has traditionally been accomplish ed by inspection of individual carcasses or by post-slaughter processing to inactivate parasites. Recent declines in prevalence of this parasite in do mestic swine, coupled with improvements in swine management systems, offer the opportunity to document pork safety during the production phase. We rep ort here on a certification pilot study using an audit to document good pro duction practices for swine relative to the risk of exposure to trichinae. Based on the results, improvements in the program have been made and furthe r studies will be undertaken prior to launching a voluntary trichinae herd certification program in the United States.