Trichinella species

Historically in Canada, infection of pigs with the zoonotic nematode Trichinella, specifically T. spiralis, was a significant public health concern, but currently the national pig herd is considered free of the parasite except for a possible small focus around Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Summary

Historically in Canada, infection of pigs with the zoonotic nematode Trichinella, specifically T. spiralis, was a significant public health concern, but currently the national pig herd is considered free of the parasite except for a possible small focus around Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Trichinella of pig origin, however, continues to cause disease in people in other parts of the world.  In Canada, wildlife, especially bears and walrus, are the major sources of human infection.

More information about Trichinella and trichinellosis is available under Zoonoses