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1 August 2011 Trichinella nativa in Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus: Spill-Over From a Highly Endemic Terrestrial Ecosystem
Marja Isomursu, Mervi Kunnasranta
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Abstract

Trichinella spp. infections of marine mammals pose a human health risk in Arctic regions where game meat is an important part of the diet. In the last decade, the grey seal population of the sub-arctic Baltic Sea has reached a level at which hunting is possible and seal meat is now available for food. We conducted a survey on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in grey seals Halichoerus grypus (n  =  171) and ringed seals Phoca hispida botnica (n  =  56) of the Baltic Sea in the coastal waters of Finland, a highly Trichinella sp. endemic area. Muscle samples were examined by a mechanically assisted digestion method during 2006–2010. One grey seal was positive for Trichinella nativa, while all samples from ringed seals were negative. Even though just 1 grey seal was infected, the finding here emphasizes the importance of proper meat inspection of seals intended for human consumption, especially in areas with high infection pressure.

American Society of Parasitologists
Marja Isomursu and Mervi Kunnasranta "Trichinella nativa in Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus: Spill-Over From a Highly Endemic Terrestrial Ecosystem," Journal of Parasitology 97(4), 735-736, (1 August 2011). https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-2717.1
Published: 1 August 2011
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