EU regulation testing for Trichinella in pigs: since June 2014

Trichinella is a species of worm that causes trichinellosis in humans. A new regulation for testing Trichinella in pigs came out in June 2014. The new regulation recognises the differences in risk from various housing systems, indoor vs. outdoor production systems. This is reflected in the testing requirements, for pigs kept in controlled housing the regulations will not be as strict.

Human failure in the management of domestic animals and wildlife may result in Trichinella species being transmitted from sylvatic (wildlife) cycle to the domestic cycle (Mukaratirwa, La Grange, & Pfukenyi, 2013, Acta tropica, 125(1), 82-89).

Intestinal invasion by adult worms can be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting). Larval migration into muscle tissues (one week after infection) can cause facial edema (swelling), fever and rashes. Larval encystment in the muscles causes muscle weakness and pain. (http://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/trichinellosis/)

In 2007, Edoardo Pozio reviewed the world distribution of Trichinella which is present practically worldwide with the exception of Antarctica

http://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2005/Trichinella/trich.html

Domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus or Sus domesticus)

where the parasite has not been reported. Infection has been documents in domestic animals; mainly found in pigs as well as in wildlife. Eight Species of Trichinella and three genotypes are recognised in causing trichinellosis infections (Veterinary Parasitology, 149(1), 3-21).

In 2011, Murrell & Pozio showed occurrence of trichinellosis is related to cultural food practices (Emerging Infectious Diseases 17(12), 2194-2202).

Trichinella is also known as the “pork worm” as it is most commonly found in undercooked pork products. The previous EU law (EC Regulation 2075/2005) contained the requirement that every pig slaughtered for human consumption should be tested for Trichinella. However, a new EU regulation (EC Regulation 216/2014) came into force in June 2014, bringing changes to the pig testing requirements for Trichinella and how these tests may be carried out. (http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/meat/trichinella-pigs/trichinella-pigs-testing)

General requirements for controlled housing are related to issues such as pest control and secure storage of feed, which carry over from the previous regulation. There is also scope for pigs to have some access to outdoor facilities provided that the food business operator can prove that this does not pose a danger for introducing Trichinella in the holding.

The nature of the holding will then determine the testing requirements at the slaughterhouse. Compliance with the FSA Quality Assurance Scheme receives 60p per sample tested, while the business pays the associated set up and on-going running costs. 

http://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/trichinellosis/

http://www.microbeworld.org/component/jlibrary/?view=article&id=2952

Testing options: Food standards agency (FSA) contracted suppliers

The FSA will pay for the cost of courier, kit and testing, but the carcases must be held pending a negative result.

Setting up as a self-tester

Self-testers will have more control over the timescales for testing and courier. The three ways available are:

1. Set up a laboratory within the slaughterhouse. 2. Use an already established self-testing laboratory in another

slaughterhouse.3. Set up a private arrangement with other United Kingdom

Accreditation Service accredited testing laboratories to carry out Trichinella testing.

Designated laboratories require training on Trichinella testing and compliance, as directed by the UK National Reference Laboratory which is the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

Requirements for a self-testing kit include:Blender, Dissecting microscope, Pepsin and Hydrochloric acid (25%)

By Jessica Moult Words: 497

http://www.labsol.co.in/laboratory-microscopes.htmlhttp://www.kapaza.be/fr/mixeurs-et-

batteurs/moulinex-mini-pro-d81-blender-85567103.htm