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Page 6 %u2013 Australian Pork Newspaper, December 2024 www.porknews.com.auRESEARCHERS at Charles Sturt Univer- sity have made a sig- nificant discovery re- garding the presence of the sarcocystis species of parasite in game deer and feral pigs in Aus- tralia.The research was led by Professor in Veterinary Parasitology Shokoofeh Shamsi in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and the Charles Sturt Gulbali Research Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment.The recently published study in the International Journal of Food Microbiology is the first to report such infections in these animals in Australia.The research team conducted an extensive examination of the oesophagus, diaphragm and heart tissue from 90 deer and eight feral pigs, searching for visual signs of sarcocystis cysts.Professor Shamsi said that though no visual cysts were detected, subsequent polymerase chain reaction testing and histopathology confirmed the presence of the parasite.%u201cThese findings are particularly concerning as they suggest that infected animals, especially those reared free-range, could pass through meat quality checks unnoticed,%u201d Prof Shamsi said.%u201cThis poses a potential food safety risk if the meat is consumed without thorough cooking, which could lead to human infection.%u201dProf Shamsi emphasised the importance of proper cooking to mitigate the risk of infection.%u201cThis simple precaution can effectively prevent potential infections and safeguard health,%u201d she said.The study also highlights the potential implications for the Australian pork industry, particularly with the growing trend towards free-range pig husbandry.The possibility of infection spreading between feral pigs and domestic pigs in free-range systems underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and research.This study not only sheds light on a previously unrecognised risk but also underscores the value of rigorous research and vigilant food safety practices in protecting public health.As part of 2024 National Science Week, the Food Safety Information Council of Australia issued a warning about the increase in parasitic infections in humans in Australia in recent years.Co-researcher and adjunct lecturer in parasitology in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Dr Diane Barton said, %u201cIt also reinforces the need for further research to determine the prevalence and species of sarcocystis in game animals and the value of ongoing surveillance and research to safeguard food safety.%u201d %u201cThere are potential implications for the Australian pork industry, particularly with the increased emphasis on free-range pig husbandry.%u201cBut the public can be reassured that any risks from consuming game meat can be managed with appropriate cooking and handling practices.%u201d for living farm building surfaces A specific blend of highly concentrated live bacteria Helps install a positive biofilm on farm building surfaces after cleaning and disinfectionHelps improve the microbial environment for safe animal production Helps reduce the risk of health issues due to the harmful microorganisms and negative biofilms.POSITIVE BIOFILMPartnering in microbial solutions for a changing world.Using sound science, proven results and knowledge from experience, Lallemand Animal Nutrition helps our customers and industry partners be more successful %u2013 and animals lead healthier lives.Lallemand Animal Nutrition provides a full range of specific, natural microbial products, services and solutions that improve animal wellbeing and performance while respecting animals, people and the environment.Not all products are available in all markets nor associated claims allowed in all regions.Contact us on (07) 5451 0125 | LAN-Aus@lallemand.comA significant discovery has been made regarding the presence of sarcocys- tis species of parasite in game deer and feral pigs in Australia. Photo: SA GovernmentResearch uncovers hidden parasite threat in Australian game meatTogether,Let%u2019s Prove thePower of Partnership.Distributed in Australia by:Something powerful happens when shared expertise, care and nutritional performance come together. Suddenly, obstacles feel more like growth opportunities. That is the transformational power of partnership.Zinpro%u00ae Availa%u00ae Sow helps build more productive sows and gilts with improved reproduction, better efficiency and increased longevity. It has also been shown to reduce lameness and has a positive impact on the cost of production. Experience the power of partnering with Zinpro%u00ae.03 5429 2411www.feedworks.com.au