Trichinellosis (Trichinosis)
Trichinellosis is a parasitic disease caused by eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the larvae of a type of worm called Trichinella. Infection occurs commonly in certain wild carnivorous (meat-eating) animals but can also occur in domestic pigs. Trichinellosis is a notifiable disease in Ireland.
Two linked cases of trichinosis were reported in Ireland in 2007. These were the first cases of trichinosis notified in Ireland since the disease became notifiable in 2004. The cases had travelled to Poland during their incubation period where they consumed lightly smoked sausages. They were linked to a large outbreak which was reported in Poland at that time.
No cases of trichinellosis have been notified in Ireland since 2007.