Guidelines for the identification and development of sampling methods and design of suitable protocols for monitoring of Trichinella infection in indicator species.

According to the European Community Regulation No. 2075/2005, a risk-based program should be implemented in those areas where wildlife and pig holdings applying for Trichinella-free status coexist, or for region where the risk of Trichinella in domestic swine is officially recognised as negligible. Trichinella nematode species are primarily parasites of wildlife which can transmit the infection to pigs intended for human consumption, acting as reservoir of the parasite. Since not all mammals play the same role for the different Trichinella species, the selection of the target animals for epidemiological surveillance is of utmost importance. This document provides indications on the most suitable wild animals to be targeted for epidemiological surveillance according to the four Trichinella species circulating in Europe, together with technical specifications on the muscles of choice and their amount to be analysed for each host species considered.