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Pork tapeworm “of greatest concern”
meat counter
Health organisations have listed the top 10 most concerning food-borne parasites.
New guidelines for parasite control in development

A food health committee is working to develop new guidelines for parasite control after it was revealed pork tapeworm, or Taenia solium, is the most concerning global food-borne parasite.

A list of the top 10 most concerning food-borne parasites has been released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

The parasites affect the health of millions of people every year, resulting in huge social costs and global impacts, yet FAO says information is generally lacking on where they come from, how they live in the human body and how they cause illness.

The top 10 are:
  1. Taenia solium (pork tapeworm): In pork
  2. Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid worm or dog tapeworm): In fresh produce
  3. Echinococcus multilocularis (a type of tapeworm): In fresh produce
  4. Toxoplasma gondii (protozoa): In meat from small ruminants, pork, beef, game meat (red meat and organs)
  5. Cryptosporidium spp.(protozoa): In fresh produce, fruit juice, milk
  6. Entamoeba histolytica (protozoa): In fresh produce
  7. Trichinella spiralis (pork worm): In pork
  8. Opisthorchiidae (family of flatworms): In freshwater fish
  9. Ascaris spp. (small intestinal roundworms): In fresh produce
  10. Trypanosoma cruzi (protozoa): In fruit juices

The top 10 rankings are based on the burden placed on human health by the parasites, and other factors.

The list was created at the request of global food standards body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). FAO and WHO were asked to review current knowledge on parasites in food, as well as public health and trade implications.

A global call for information led to responses from 22 nations and one regional body, followed by an analysis by 21 experts of the impacts of food-borne parasites.

The Codex Committee of Food Hygiene are now producing new guidelines for the control of these parasites, with scientific and technical information supplied by WHO.

It aims to create new standards for the global food trade to help countries control these parasites in the food chain.

A joint report by the FAO and WHO lists a number of ways to reduce parasite infection, such as monitoring the use of organic fertilisers in farming, particularly on produce, to ensure it is composted properly and all fecal matter is removed. The report also advises close monitoring of water quality, and, for consumers, all meat should be well cooked, with only clean water used to wash and prepare vegetables.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.