Controllo microbiologico delle carni di cinghiale

Abstract

Recently, the wild boar population has dramatically increased, both in Italy and worldwide, causing environmental issues as well as human health hazards, which are due to the increased consumption of wild boar meat. Like many other animal products, wild boar meat can be a vehicle for foodborne diseases. In fact, pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Yersina spp. can be detected in wild boars. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of these pathogens in carcasses and mesenteric lymph nodes of wild boars hunted in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. In 2020, 79 wild boar carcasses were selected and sampled using sterile sponges at the game collection point (A), and 66/79 carcasses were re-sampled after transportation (average of 3.7 days after killing) at the game handling establishment (B). Due to Covid- 19’s restrictions, 13 carcasses were delivered to a nearby slaughterhouse, (average 2.3 days after the killing) to be re-sampled. In addition to carcass swabs, mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. All samplese were tested for Salmonella spp, Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. The results showed a prevalence of Salmonella spp. on carcasses varying from 2,5% (A) to 5% (B) and a prevalence of 7.5 % in lymph nodes. Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis were never isolated. Among Salmonella isolates, the serovars S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Agama, S. Zaiman and S. diarizonae were detected, either from carcasses and/or mesenteric lymph nodes. The time interval between hunting and transportation to the game handling establishment was associated to a higher prevalence of Salmonella spp., suggesting that a longer carcass storage-time could affect microbial contamination. Despite the recommendations of Regulation (CE) 853/2004 concerning quick evisceration of carcasses after hunting and their rapid transportation to a game handling establishment, hunting and processing of the wild boar meat are often delivered, mainly due to long distances between the hunting areas and the establishments. The lack of these infrastructures in the hunting territories causes eviscerated carcasses to be stored with skin and hair not removed, which increases the possibility of meat contamination. In conclusion, cross-contamination of wild boar meat appears to pose a risk to the consumer, both in terms of hygiene and food safety. The study results confirm the urgent need for a better monitoring of the wild boar products, in order to guarantee the consumer’s safety and an improved food supply system.