The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and genotypes of T. Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite (phylum Apicomplexa), which causes a zoonotic parasitic disease, known as toxoplasmosis. However, detection methods, starting from the sampling procedure, should be further developed and standardized in order to improve the collection of accurate and up-to-date epidemiological data. Human behaviour and the lack of knowledge regarding meat borne parasitic zoonoses and the health risks they pose seem to be the most important factors responsible for human infections. To pursue an effective management of these parasitic zoonoses, awareness raising should involve all figures in the supply chain, including hunters, restaurateurs and consumers. The presented data point out the main issues, and knowledge gaps as well as the potential for improved control in order to contribute to the risk analysis process. This review focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, public health aspects and risk management along the supply chain, including parasite detection at slaughtering and inactivation in meat, of three selected foodborne parasitic hazards (Alaria alata, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp.) in the main mammalian game meat species in the EU: wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), moose (Alces alces), hare (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In addition to interesting nutritional properties and market opportunities, game meat is characterized by some specific public health issues. Game meat is increasingly appreciated and consumed in Europe, also due to the growing population of wild ungulates.

Although this genotype is predominant in human toxoplasmosis, these results suggest that the chamois is a minor source of human infection. The SAG2 type II genotype was detected in this species for the first time. This prevalence suggests that the environment of the chamois is less contaminated with oocysts than environments close to human settlements. Horizontal transmission seems to be the main route of infection, and cats are the only definitive host in the study area. These findings demonstrate the sporadic presence of the protozoan in this species on consistent diagnostic tests. gondii was low on both serological (3.2 %) and molecular (2 %) analyses, and infections were concentrated in individuals >1 year old. gondii with serological and molecular analyses, and (2) to genotype the strains with a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the SAG2 locus. Ninety-three sera and 50 brain tissues from chamois were sampled (1) to investigate the spread of T. gondii and the distribution of its genotypes in these species, including the alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. Despite intense hunting activity and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, little information is available on the spread of T. gondii, wild ungulates may be a source of human infection. gondii, whose different genotypes differ in pathogenicity. This complexity is reflected in the molecular structure of T. Recommendations for improved surveillance systems are discussed.The complex life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves many animal species, raising zoonotic, economic, and conservation issues. Although human and animal surveillance data are available for the five prioritised FBP, we identified a lack of consistency in surveillance and reporting requirements between national experts and European bodies. spiralis, which is notifiable in 34 countries with active surveillance in susceptible animals under EU directive. Adequate surveillance programmes for these FBP are lacking, except for T. For most FBP, human surveillance is passive in most countries and regions in Europe and notification differs between countries and regions. Information on the surveillance systems was collected from 35 European countries and analysed according to the five different regions. The objective of the present study was to provide an overview of surveillance and reporting systems in Europe for these top five prioritised FBP in the human and animal populations, to identify gaps, and give recommendations for improvement. granulosus, and Cryptosporidium spp., all of which are zoonotic. Of the 24 FBP, the top-five prioritised FBP were identified for Europe as Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spiralis, E. In Europe, the same methodology was used to rank FBP of relevance for Europe. One conclusion was that ranking may differ substantially per region.

In 2012, WHO/FAO ranked 24 foodborne parasites (FBP) using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to provide risk assessors with a basis for prioritising control of highly ranked FBP on the global level.

Emilia pikka