Swine Trichinella Infection and GIS Tools
Author Information
Author(s): Burke Robin, Masuoka Penny, Murrell K. Darwin
Primary Institution: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the potential impact of the expanding production of pork from pasture-raised pigs on the risk of Trichinella spiralis infection.
Conclusion
The study identified farms that may be at high risk for Trichinella spiralis infection due to their proximity to infected wildlife and domestic pigs.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of Trichinella spiralis infection in humans and swine has declined markedly in North America over the past 20 years.
- Pastured-pig operations in the United States have experienced substantial growth in recent years.
- 28 pastured-pig farms were located within 50 km of documented Trichinella spiralis infections.
Takeaway
Some pig farms are close to places where sick animals have been found, which means those pigs could get sick too.
Methodology
The study used geographic information system (GIS) methods to map locations of Trichinella spiralis occurrences and pastured-pig farms.
Potential Biases
The infection records were compiled from local surveys and outbreaks, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's findings may underestimate the risk due to a lack of a national centralized reporting system for pastured-pig operations.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on pastured-pig farms in the United States.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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