Abstract:
This study was carried out to estimate the porcine cysticercosis prevalence by meat
inspection, identify the risk factors of porcine cysticercosis along the pig/pork
marketing channels and describe the pig productions systems. Data for prevalence
were obtained using census of all pig carcasses going through the meat inspection
point over a 3-months period. A ledger was used to register information regarding all
cysticercosis post mortem inspection findings. The meat inspection was evaluated
by total dissection of 30 inspected carcasses. Questionnaire survey was used to
access the production systems, risk factors and marketing chains. Out of 205
inspected carcasses, 11 were positive for porcine cysticercosis, giving a prevalence
of 5.4% (CI 3.0% to 9.3%). Evaluation of routine meat inspection by dissection of
randomly purchased inspected carcasses, revealed a prevalence of 26.7 % (CI 11.0%
to 42.3%). Although there was good agreement between findings of meat inspection
and dissection (Kappa 73.4%), the difference was attributed to laxity in adherence to
inspection procedure. Predilection sites in order of magnitude for cysticerci in pigs
were gluteus, Triceps brachii, psoas, masseter, diaphragm, heart, brain, and tongue
muscles. Investigation of pig/pork marketing revealed short chains in which
pigs/pork passes through few market participants or succession of markets before
reaching the consumers. Potential risk factors for porcine cysticercosis along the
chains were identified as poor pig management, complete lack of and improper pork
inspection, pork consumption, and ignorance about the mode of transmission of
Taenia solium/cysticercosis among the key players in the trade. Pigs were only
housed when crops were in the fields; after harvest were allowed to graze freely.
Animals were fed on kitchen leftovers, pasture, sweat potato leaves, and maize bran.
Meat inspection and meat dissection findings confirm that porcine cysticercosis is
common in Angónia district and is potentially a serious health problem to pigs and
humans.
