Epidemiology of trichinellosis in the People's Republic of China during 2009-2020

Trichinellosis is an important meat-borne zoonotic parasitic disease caused by ingesting raw or semi-cooked meat of pigs and other animals infected with Trichinella sp. muscle larvae. Epidemiological data on human and animal Trichinella sp. infection in the People's Republic of China (PRC) during 2009-2020 were analyzed in this review. The results showed that the endemic foci of human trichinellosis are principally localized in southwestern areas, and eight outbreaks covering 479 cases and 2 deaths were reported. Pork is still the primary source of trichinellosis outbreaks. Seven out of 8 outbreaks (87.50%) were caused by ingesting raw or semi-cooked pork. The seroprevalence of swine anti-Trichinella IgG ranged from 0 to 42.11% in 11 provinces/autonomous regions (P/As), and swine Trichinella infection was detected in six P/A slaughterhouses. The Trichinella-infected pigs came from small backyard farms and outdoor free-ranging pigs in western and southwestern PRC. To prevent trichinellosis, the traditional pig-rearing mode should be improved, more industrialized pig farms should be developed, all pigs should be raised in piggeries under controlled management conditions, and mandatory inspection of Trichinella sp. in slaughtered pigs should be implemented in rural areas of western and southwestern PRC. A One Health approach with participation from governments, public health officials, and medical and veterinary practitioners is vital for controlling zoonotic foodborne trichinellosis.