Trichinella prevalence in swine in an endemic district in Serbia: epidemiology and control

Vet Parasitol. 2009 Feb 23;159(3-4):358-60. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.074. Epub 2008 Nov 1.

Abstract

Endemic trichinellosis is re-emerging in Serbia and it is a serious problem both from the perspective of human health and animal husbandry. The widespread appearance of human trichinellosis is attributed to a high prevalence of Trichinella infection in domestic animals, especially swine. Epidemiological data presented in this paper were collected during a 12-year period (1995-2006) at small private swine farms in the region of Branicevo, Serbia, where a high Trichinella prevalence in slaughter pigs (0.57%) has been detected. To further monitor Trichinella prevalence in swine, a serological survey, using ELISA, was performed in 2006. Of 916 swine tested by ELISA, Trichinella specific antibodies were detected in 15 (1.64%), while suspect results were obtained in 10 (1.09%). Positive or suspect animals originated from all parishes except one (Pozarevac). Our results point to the need for systematic monitoring in pigs to achieve a better control of trichinellosis in Serbia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Prevalence
  • Serbia / epidemiology
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology
  • Swine Diseases / parasitology*
  • Time Factors
  • Trichinella / isolation & purification*
  • Trichinellosis / epidemiology
  • Trichinellosis / prevention & control
  • Trichinellosis / veterinary*