Detection of Alaria spp. mesocercariae in game meat in Germany

Abstract

A steadily increasing number of incidental findings of Alaria alata mesocercariae in meat of wild boars during official Trichinella inspection necessitates the development of a specific detection method for this parasite. A reliable verification of infested paratenic hosts seems to be one of the key factors for both understanding the biology of Alaria spp. and determining a sound risk assessment within the meaning of the consumer's health protection. Consequently, our studies concentrate on (1) the verification of suitability of the official digestion methods for Trichinella spp. for Alaria alata mesocercariae detection in wild boars, (2) development, optimisation and validation of methods, and, (3) the distribution of the parasites within their paratenic hosts.