Increased Prevalence of Trichinella spp. in Northeastern Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Pannwitz Gunter, Mayer-Scholl Anne, Balicka-Ramisz Aleksandra, Nöckler Karsten
Primary Institution: Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Migration of raccoon dogs from Poland may have caused this change.
Conclusion
The increase in Trichinella spp. prevalence in wild boars in northeastern Germany poses a threat to backyard pigs and public health.
Supporting Evidence
- Trichinella spp. prevalence in wild boars in Germany increased from 0.0027% to 0.0045% between 2002 and 2008.
- 80.7% of Trichinella spp. infections in wild animals were found on Usedom Island.
- Raccoon dogs are considered a major reservoir for Trichinella spp. in the sylvatic cycle.
Takeaway
This study found more Trichinella parasites in wild boars in Germany, which could be due to raccoon dogs coming from Poland, making it risky for pigs raised at home.
Methodology
Epidemiologic investigations, laboratory examinations including muscle samples and serologic testing.
Potential Biases
Sampling methods may lead to underestimation of Trichinella prevalence due to focus on younger animals.
Limitations
The study lacks reliable estimates of wild boar populations and the sampling of raccoon dogs and foxes is less representative.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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