Parasitic Cysts in Wild Boars Hunted in Central Italy: The Sanitary Controls in the Wild Game Meats Chain

Seven hundred sixty-five (765) adult wild boars were examined during the 2016/2017 hunting season for the research of parasites. inspection was carried out at the slaughterhouse by the Official Veterinarian on the plucks (heart, tongue, lungs, diaphragm, and liver) of the killed animals presented by hunters. Of these, 0.8% (6/765) were positive for (s.l.), and 2.6% (20/765) were positive for the metacestode stage of (), while 0.5% (4/765) animals showed a mixed infection ( s.l. and ). Sixty-three (63) cystic lesions were found. Of these 25,4% (16/63) were caused by s.l. and 74,6% (47/63) were caused by . The more involved organs were liver and lungs, in a less extension omentum and diaphragm. Parasitological analyses showed an overall prevalence of 3.9% for metacestodes in the hunted animals examined (Paoletti ., 2018). Hydatids were molecularly characterized as . . examination results showed no evidences of parasitic cysts. The products of hunting used for own consumption and direct sale to the final consumer or retailer, according to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, lack of overall control by the Competent Authority. This is a critical point in the food chain of the game meat. The data obtained show the importance of the inspection and the central role of the Competent Authority to ensure not only the food safety of game meat but also to collect data for extensive epidemiological investigations on live-stocks wildlife settings having a direct impact on public health.