English Abstract Endemic clinical Trichinella spiralis infections in man
in the Netherlands have not been observed since many decades. Incidentally
imported infections may be identified. Population studies with sensitive
direct and serological methods indicate no infection in dutch residents.
T.spiralis infections in pigs in the Netherlands can not be demonstrated by
trichinoscopy. More sensitive methods introduced after 1961 demonstrated
incidental low degree infection spread all over the country. The change in
pig husbandry almost excludes the transmission of T.spiralis to pigs in the
Netherlands. A permanent epizootiological surveillance of 0.5 to 1% of the
total pig population in the Netherlands since 1979 and direct control
measurements on selected farms indicate that no T.spiralis infection occur
in the Dutch pig population. Incidentally in wildlife in the Netherlands
(wild boars, foxes) the existance of a sylvatic lifecycle can be
demonstrated. It seems justified, based on the conclusions above mentioned,
to certify that port from animals raised in the Netherlands is free from
trichinella. The information coming from the relative unsensitive pooled
sample digestion method to prevent T.spiralis infection is not indicative
for T.spiralis infection perse, but excludes relatively severe infections
which may cause illness in man. Therefore, the permanent epizootiological
surveillance as carried out in the Netherlands since 1979, should replace
the traditional regulations soon.
