The trichinosis is a disease of veterinary interest, since it is mostly present in pigs and wild boars. Also another animal species Trichinella is particularly affected by the equine species. Other species are represented by wild animals, such as lagomorphs (rabbits, dwarf rabbits, etc..). Pets are affected by parasites particularly in the muscles. The more muscle involved is the diaphragm (pillars), followed by masseter, the intercostal muscles.
Prophylaxis is based on the introduction systematic examination in slaughterhouses trichinosis, with which it is possible to detect the presence of the parasite in the muscles. The examination is performed on samples of diaphragm of pigs and horses. The examination is carried out by veterinarians who, having collected the samples, execute the test after appropriate preparations, which provide for pre-digestion with hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
Recently, the Technical Commission of the European Union has introduced new regulations to curb the phenomenon of proliferation of the parasite from Eastern European countries could spread in cattle in the rest of Europe. The new regulations on trichinellosis (Regulation EC N.2075/2005 and subsequent amendments) provide for the systematic examination of all the leaders horses, wild boar and all boars and sows. Only fattening pigs will be examined in a number equal to 10% of the animals slaughtered provided from farms recognized as being free from disease and certified by the Health Authorities. Special lists of laboratories are taken in all the Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces that will register the centers authorized to carry out the analysis. In case of positive to the disease in an animal found the new regulations state that the investigation will be extended to all bovine animals from the lot to which belonged the infested animal and subsequently to those areas close to those of provenance. Then the new procedures would be triggered mandatory traceability introduced by Commission Decision EC. 178.