The The province is on alert for a trichinosis outbreak. As shown in the latest epidemiological report of the Province of Buenos Aires prepared by the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires, it is a parasitic disease caused by larvae and parasites that infect humans and other animals and through the consumption of raw or raw food can be passed on to people. Undercooked meat is already available in 21 communities. In addition, 219 cases have already been confirmed this year.
Other data from the document, which records events in the week of August 20th to 26th, says that there were 516 suspected cases in 2023 and that according to the results, in addition to confirming that 219 actually had the disease, 39 were probable and there are 254 that are still being analyzed.
It also detailed the locations in which the positive cases were detected: “So far in 2023, five outbreaks of trichinosis have been recorded in the municipalities of Chivilcoy (SE 25), Coronel Dorrego (SE 29), Ayacucho and Las Flores (SE 29). .”), in SE 31 there was an outbreak that included several municipalities in Health Regions I and II (Adolfo Alsina, Bahía Blanca, Coronel Suárez, Guaminí, Puán, Saavedra, Hipólito Irigoyen, Rivadavia and Salliqueló) and was the last recorded “Eruption in Olavarría (SE 34)”. And he adds: “In the Chivilcoy outbreak 5 cases were confirmed, in Coronel Dorrego 1 case, in Ayacucho and Las Flores 15 cases and in the last outbreak 187 cases have been registered so far. All cases progressed positively and appropriate treatment was carried out.”
In this context, the province is aware of the disease and Senasa explains what the disease is about, but also gives recommendations and encourages people to pay attention to the symptoms.
Senasa and how to prevent trichinosis
Key general guidelines for the prevention of trichinosis have been reported by the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa). For this reason, resolution 181/2023 was published months ago in the Official Journal with the aim of strengthening and expanding knowledge of the disease, its prevention and control, which provides details on the main aspects to be taken into account.
Trichinosis is a zoonosis and can therefore be transmitted from animals to humans, who can become ill by eating undercooked meat or products made from pork or wild animals such as wild boars or pumas that contain trichinosis larvae in their muscles.
The main source of infection of this disease for humans is domestic pigs, although it can also be caused by eating other species such as wild boars, pumas or other wild animals.
Symptoms and procedure
“People can experience non-specific symptoms, similar to flu, including gastrointestinal complaints, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain.” It is therefore important to associate food intake with these symptoms and to go to the nearest medical center Center,” said Tatiana Aronowicz, zoonosis veterinarian at the National Animal Health Directorate Senasa.
It was noted that if any of the above clinical signs occur and you have recently consumed pork or wild animal products, “you should go to the nearest health center. Local health authorities should also be informed about raising pigs in poor conditions for hygiene reasons, near rodents and/or being fed garbage. It was also recalled that swine trichinosis “belongs to the group of notifiable diseases”.
mandatory, so if you suspect or confirm a case, contact Senasa.
Watch out for pork and derivatives
Given the importance of the consumption of pork products and pork products in our country (such as sausages, cured meats and cured meats), it is important that those who are dedicated to animal husbandry keep them in their establishments in appropriate hygienic conditions and provide a proper diet.
It should be noted that trichinosis is not transmitted from pig to pig, but the animal can become infected with the disease through food. For this reason, it is important to ensure a safe diet for these animals.
Of the production units dedicated to pig farming in our country, most of them are family businesses. The breeding method usually takes place in the field. One of the main production objectives is to obtain piglets for sale and, secondly, to produce products intended for fattening.
“It is important to be able to control and prevent the entry of rodents into farms, as they may contain trichinella larvae that the pig ingests. Since the symptoms of this parasitosis are not visible in the animal, laboratory controls must be carried out to confirm the absence of the disease,” said Mariana Barros, veterinarian at Senasa Family Farming Coordination.
Prevention and care
A key aspect of preventing this zoonosis is carrying out the artificial digestion test. Since the disease can only be diagnosed after slaughter, this method allows detecting the presence of trichinae in a meat sample analyzed in an authorized laboratory. In this way it is known whether the meat produced is suitable for consumption.
The diagnostic test also serves as a guide for those who engage in hunting activities as it detects the presence of the parasite. Sometimes hunters prepare cold cuts and/or cured meats from cougars, wild boars and/or game animals, so it is important to test whether the meat is suitable for consumption.
Likewise, hunters are advised to take the carcasses with them after completing the activity. “It is important that they have them and not leave them in the field because they can become food for other animals and that way the disease can circulate,” Aronowicz explained.
Consumption is another key
Another important pillar in preventing the disease, according to Senasa, are the measures that the population can take when consuming pork products and products (sausages, sausages, cured meat) made from raw meat.
On the one hand, you need to know where you can buy the products and which establishments are certified and authorized to prepare these foods. Anyone who consumes food from pigs or wild animals must ensure that the products are labeled with a label that certifies their origin.
On the other hand, consumers are reminded to always cook the meat properly until its interior loses its pink color, indicating that a temperature has been reached that kills the larvae that transmit the disease – more than 70 degrees Celsius, with time and temperature must be monitored. internal–.
These guidelines allow the implementation of trichinosis prevention measures for both those who produce or process food and those who consume it. For this reason, Senasa is committed to providing all the information necessary to “avoid risks” in the face of the disease and take care of the health of people and communities.
