Epidemiological survey of trichinellosis in wild boar (Sus scrofa) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a French insular region, Corsica

The Mediterranean island of Corsica was considered Trichinella-free until 2004 when T britovi larvae were discovered in domestic pigs at meat inspection One red fox was also found Infected the same year and in the same area than the infected pigs This last finding highlighted the presence of trichinellosis in Corsican wildlife A Trichinella survey was thus performed in wild boar (Sus scrota) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) the two large wild species present on the island to determine prevalence of muscle larvae and antibodies Diaphragm muscles of 1881 wild boars and 74 forelegs of foxes were tested by artificial digestion No Trichinella larva was identified The highly sensitive ELISA was used to test muscle fluid samples of 1492 wild boars The apparent serological prevalence of Trichinella infections in wild boar was 201% (95% CI 1 36-2 86) The present results suggest that wildlife is currently exposed to Trichinella in Corsica In this context adequate cooking and veterinary controls of meat offer the only complete sanitary warranties to consumers (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved