[Current status of the discussion on the certification of so-called "Trichinella-free areas"].

In the last century already, Friedrich Albert Zenker and Rudolf Virchow have provided the essential prerequisites for the examination of pork for Trichinella in Germany. According to Directives 64/433/EEC and 77/96/EEC, this examination is still required in all member states of the European Union (EU) for trade between EU countries and for pork imported from third countries. According to Directive 64/433/EEC (Article 6, para 2), the examination of swine for Trichinella may be dispensed with if, on the basis of epidemiological studies, the stocks are found to be free from Trichinella and there is an efficient system of ante-mortem and post-mortem examination and control. However, it had been impossible to introduce these provisions into practice due to the fact that criteria were lacking. Therefore, the Scientific Veterinary Committee of the European Commission established a working group which has elaborated a concept for the certification of Trichinella-free pig stocks. The concept includes, inter alia, definitions of the essential components of "non-endemic area" and "Trichinella-free stock" and the requirement to be complied with for certification. Details are given on measures taken to control continued compliance with the certification requirements, the reporting and documentation system and the measures to be taken when trichinellosis is detected at a certified farm.