Porcine Cysticercosis—An Emerging Food Borne Parasitic Zoonosis in Urban Settings in Tanzania: Need for Immediate Control Measures

Abstract

Taenia solium cysticercosis is an emerging food borne parasitic zoonosis in urban centres where infected pigs from rural areas are slaughtered and consumed. The public is at risk of acquiring the infection if meat inspection and control is not effective. This study was conducted to establish the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in pigs slaughtered in Dar es Salaam City and Morogoro Municipality and assessed the existence of risk factors for its transmission. Meat inspection was performed in pigs slaughtered in official slaughter slabs where direct observation and checklist based questions were used to assess the risk factors for disease transmission. The results revealed porcine cysticercosis prevalence of 6.3% and 1.5% in pigs slaughtered in Dar es Salaam City and Morogoro Municipality, respectively. Possible risk factors for T. solium cysticercosis transmission included lack of centralized slaughtering facilities for pigs, inadequate meat inspectors, lack or inadequate meat inspection and control, poor knowledge among butchers and pork vendors about the parasite and possible public health implications. In addition, the findings indicated that the public was at high risk of acquiring the infection if immediate control measures were not taken. In view of this, it is recommended that the pig slaughtering should be centralized for effective inspection and pork control. Lastly, constant public health education should be provided to butchers, pork vendors and the public in general.