Occurrence of Trichinella spiralis Antibodies in Swine Backyard Farms in Veracruz, Mexico

Trichinosis is a parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis that affects pigs, rodents, and some wild animals. Poor sanitation facilitates the spread of disease in swine, posing a risk to public health. In Mexico, pig farming ranks third in meat production and operates at 3 primary levels: industrial, semi-industrial, and backyard farming. In Mexico, backyard pig farming is a common practice primarily because it provides a source of meat at minimal or no cost. However, these pigs can act as reservoirs, sustaining the parasite's life cycle and potentially introducing it into domestic environments. Although human and pig infections with T. spiralis have been documented in Mexico, data on its prevalence and distribution remain inconsistent. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against T. spiralis in backyard pigs from Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 472 backyard pigs and examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A detailed questionnaire (farm management, origin of animals, type of production, type of feed, presence of rodents, evidence of wildlife and domestic animals, exposure to pig carcasses and carcasses of other animals) was designed to gather information about potential exposures. The seroprevalence for T. spiralis was 1.6%; however, antibodies were only found in 4 localities and distributed in 4 municipalities. Proper pig management practices are crucial for controlling intestinal parasites in animals. This study advocates for public health education and promoting good pig farming practices.