Economic evaluation of a program for monitoring and controlling Trichinella in pigs

Abstract

Introduction. Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan anthropozoonosis, and is a group of systemic diseases caused by larval forms of Trichinella. This is one of the oldest and most controversial parasitic zoonoses that has been in the forefront of veterinary, medical and biological research for many years. Parasites from the genus Trichinella were diagnosed in more than one hundred species of domestic and wild mammals and birds. The aim of this study was economic evaluation of a program for monitoring and controlling Trichinella in pigs. Materials and Methods. A systematic pest rodent control program deemed suitable for monitoring and controlling Trichinella in pigs was implemented in a representative test zone. The results of the pest rodent control program were analyzed using cost-benefit analysis to determine if a similar program would be suitable for a larger land area. Results and Conclusions. Prior to pest control, the incidence of Trichinella in pigs living in the test zone increased annually, while after systematic pest rodent control, the incidence of Trichinella-positive pigs decreased. These results, as well as relevant economic indicators, enabled us to design two mathematical models describing the control and monitoring of Trichinella in a larger land area. In this area, Srem Region, Serbia, a suitable Trichinella control program in pigs is clearly justified because the profit to cost ratio was positive for both models.