Trichinellosis Prevalence and Distribution Flow of Wild Boar Meat in West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatera Province, Indonesia

Background: Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by the consumption of undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae. Wild boars are significant reservoirs of this pathogen, posing health risks to humans, particularly in regions where hunting is prevalent. Wild boar meat infected with larvae Trichinella spp. has an increased risk of human infection with trichinellosis. Objectives: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of trichinellosis in wild boars and analyze the wild boar meat distribution flow in West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Methods: Muscle samples were collected from 106 wild boars that were captured during a traditional hunting event. The samples were obtained from four anatomical sites (masseter, forelimb, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles), pooled, and tested for antibodies against Trichinella excretory/secretory antigens using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on meat distribution were gathered through interviews with hunters, collectors, traders, and authorized officers, using a structured questionnaire. Results: ELISA results showed that 48(45.28%) of the 106 wild boar samples tested positive for Trichinella spp. There was no significant correlation between seropositivity against sex (P=0.503) and body weight (P=0.485) of wild boars. The interview results showed that the captured wild boars were collected by local small-scale collectors and sold the meat either to local consumers or large-scale collectors. Local large-scale collectors sold meat both inside and outside the West Pasaman Regency. Large-scale collectors outside West Pasaman Regency sold meat to traders or directly to consumers. The Plantation and Livestock Services of West Pasaman Regency did not know about the distribution of the resulting wild boar meat or inspect this product. Distribution flow analysis showed that wild boar meat is consumed locally and sold outside the region and province. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of trichinellosis in wild boars in the West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Hunted wild boars were distributed to consumers through various actors in the West Pasaman Regency and beyond. Such conditions raise concerns about the health implications for consumers. Therefore, it is important to increase public awareness regarding safe food practices and conduct surveillance of wildlife and livestock health in the region.