Trichinella spp.

Last Modified: Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:05:37 IST
Disease name Trichinella spp.
Animal Health Law Category if applicable N/A
Species affected Multiple(not specified)
Description Trichinellosis in humans and animals is caused by eight different species of roundworm of the genus Trichinella. Infection occurs through eating raw or undercooked meat from Trichinella-infected domestic animals or game. Apart from humans, host species include pigs, rats, horses and other flesh-eating mammals, birds and reptiles.Animals become infected by feeding on Trichinella-infected muscle. Ingested larvae mature in the small intestine of the host. Following reproduction by adult worms in the intestine, larvae migrate and encyst in the muscle tissues of the host. Trichinellosis is rarely diagnosed as a disease in animals but is a serious disease in humans.
Status in Ireland Disease Absent
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland No recorded cases in domestic animals. Last known human case in 1968. Last recorded case in wildlife in 2011.
DAFM Division Responsible VPHPPH
Contact pigandpoultryhealth@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation

S.I. No. 130/2016 - Notification and Control of Diseases affecting Terrestrial Animals (No. 2) Regulations 2016. (irishstatutebook.ie)

Link to relevant external website
Notifiable in Ireland Yes
WOAH Listed Yes
WOAH Link https://www.woah.org/en/disease/trichinellosis/
Publications