Milk-Transmitted Parasitic Diseases: A Neglected Route of Infection

Milk is widely consumed for its nutritional benefits, yet it can occasionally serve as a vector for parasitic infections, particularly when unpasteurized. Several protozoan and helminth parasites have been documented to survive in milk or be shed into it by infected animals. These parasites may pose health threats to vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. This article explores the epidemiology, transmission routes, public health implications, and preventive measures related to milk-transmitted parasitic diseases. Emphasis is placed on awareness, veterinary monitoring, and the importance of pasteurization as a critical control point.