Wild Boars in Brandenburg tested positive for Trichinosis - Wild Boars in Brandenburg Test Positive for Trichinella
In recent years, the parasitic worm Trichinella has been found in wild boars in the German state of Brandenburg. The Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) have been involved in investigating these findings.
This year, five cases of Trichinella have been detected in wild boars in Brandenburg. In 2023, seven cases were found, and six cases were reported in 2024. The highest number of annual discoveries occurred in 2019, with 27 cases.
Trichinellosis, the disease caused by Trichinella, can range from mild to severe in humans. Initial symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Later symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, and swelling around the eyes.
Humans can contract trichinellosis by consuming raw, Trichinella-infected meat. To prevent the spread of the disease, mandatory Trichinella testing is required for wild and domestic pigs following a discovery.
The BfR is responsible for providing scientific risk assessments and recommendations for safe handling and cooking practices. The Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture enforces these guidelines regionally, emphasizing systematic surveillance and education among hunters.
It is essential to note that the number of annual Trichinella findings in wild boars in Brandenburg fluctuates. For precise, current official guidelines and measures, it is recommended to consult directly the publications or websites of the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, as their protocols may have been recently updated.
A wild boar in a hunting area near Rangsdorf, Teltow-Fläming district, was recently found to have Trichinella. The discovery was made on a Wednesday.
Trichinella can also affect humans, making it a reportable disease. The discovery of Trichinella in wild boars serves as a reminder to all to exercise caution when handling and consuming wild game meat.
For more information about the current measures and guidelines for Trichinella detection and prevention in wild boars in Brandenburg, Germany, it is recommended to consult directly the publications or websites of the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
- In an effort to minimize the risk of Trichinellosis, the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture is promoting community education about health-and-wellness and proper handling of wild game meat, which includes vocational training on safe butchering and cooking practices, as part of their policy.
- To address the recent spike in medical-conditions related to Trichinella and ensure the continued health and wellness of the community, the federal institute for science and the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture have launched a series of vocational training programs focusing on the identification, testing, and prevention of Trichinella in wild boars.
