Epidemiologic studies of trichinosis of wild animals in Belgium. Preliminary findings and occurrence in food
Famerae, L.; Cotteleer, C.; Abbeele, O. van den; Mollaert, P.; Engels, L.; Colin, G.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 123(3): 145-155
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 7233146 Document Number: 177635
Epidemiological examinations carried out in Belgium revealed that trichinosis occurs among wild boars and rodents. Of 45 indigenous wild boars 3 (6.66%) were carriers of trichinae. Among the 550 rodents examined the figures were: musk-rats (Ondatra zibethica) 9 out of 403 (2.23%), wander-rats (Rattus norvegicus) 7 out of 108 (6.48%), domestic rats (Rattus rattus) 2 out of 18 (11.11%), voles (Arvicola terrestris) 0 out of 21. 12 foxes, 2 stoats and 3 martens were also negative. Apart from one wild boar which was heavily parasitized and caused an outbreak of trichinosis in its family, all the animals were only mildly affected. This result however must be regarded as dubious when the difficulties and chances of practical diagnosis in wild animals are taken into account. The problem of musk-rat infection is discussed in detail, from the point of view of both epidemiology and human health control, because in certain provinces in Belgium this animal is relished as game. Finally attention is drawn to the danger to human beings in Western Europe, where it was believed that trichinosis had been eliminated, but where it now appears to be in a stage of expansion. Trichinae in the body of a musk-rat may survive up to 700 hours at a temperature of -25C.