The safety of wild boar (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) meat hunted in different European countries

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a popular game animal worldwide. Boar populations in Europe and Asia are numerous and widespread. However, these animals pose numerous problems: they damage agricultural crops, spread infectious diseases that are dangerous to pigs (e.g., African swine fever, ASF), encroach on human settlements, cause traffic accidents, and are an increasing threat to humans. Attempts to reduce the number of wild boars have a low success rate, since, thanks to their rapid reproduction, their herds quickly recover after periods of intensive shooting. In addition, they perform well even in hostile environments and readily colonize new areas. Hunting and systematic culling of wild boars are aimed at reducing their numbers and population density. In 2019-2023, the annual harvest of wild boar carcasses ranged from 221,000 to 420,000. After mandatory veterinary inspection, wild boar meat can be a more environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to pork. Considering the findings of various authors, the rules for marketing and consuming this meat should be followed. Only meat from wild boar carcasses that have undergone mandatory testing for Trichinella spiralis and Alaria alata should be consumed. The consumption of wild boar offal, especially liver and kidneys, should be strictly avoided due to the accumulation of heavy metals and radioactive contamination in these organs. Venison is an organic food, free of antibiotics and growth promoters. However, due to the risks presented, it requires special treatment and veterinary control.