Trichinella testing in wild boar and other species susceptible to trichinosis

People can become infected through eating raw, undercooked or processed meat from pigs, wild boar, horses or game that contain microscopic larval worms (known as ‘trichinae’) encysted in muscle tissue. In humans, symptoms associated with infection commonly include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and malaise. Disease progression may include fever, muscle pain and headaches. In severe cases vital organs may be affected possibly leading to meningitis, pneumonia or even death.

It is possible that the food scavenged by wild boar, or other animals including feral porcine species (i.e. feral pigs) might be infected with Trichinella and, it is likely that animals consuming this food will become infected themselves.

Wild boar accepted at Approved Game Handling Establishments (AGHEs) undergo mandatory trichinella testing as standard. If a sample tests positive for trichinella, the testing laboratory will inform the FSA and the hunter. The carcase will then be traced and rejected as unfit for human consumption. For more information, see Testing for trichinella in pigs.