Do pig parasites pose zoonotic threat?

Abstract

Although parasites can be identified in some pigs, the extent of zoonotic prevalence of these parasites is not well documented in our country. Human infections from ingestion of Toxoplasma contaminated meat are reported in India and infections in pigs need to be controlled by separation of pigs from cats and cat feces. Some pig parasites such as Trichinella is virtually absent in India. Modern methods of pig farming have made Cysticercosis virtually nonexistent. Plus, effective meat inspection, condemnation, rendering procedures and thorough home cooking of pork are useful in effective controlling of pig borne parasitic zoonoses. To conclude, pork produced under modern contained production systems is considered an extremely low risk of containing parasites with zoonotic importance.