Pork disease can refer to various illnesses affecting pigs or diseases humans can contract from consuming pork. One notable example is trichinosis.
Trichinosis: A Foodborne Illness from Pork
Trichinosis is a foodborne disease you can get from eating raw or undercooked meat infected with the Trichinella parasite. Often, this includes pork products.
How Trichinosis Occurs
- Source of Infection: The primary source of Trichinella infection in humans is consuming undercooked or raw meat, particularly pork.
- Parasite: The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichinella.
- Transmission: When humans eat meat infected with Trichinella larvae, the larvae mature into adult worms in the intestine. These worms then produce more larvae that migrate to muscles throughout the body, causing symptoms.
Prevention
- Cook Pork Thoroughly: Cook pork to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill Trichinella larvae. Use a food thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
- Avoid Raw or Undercooked Pork: Do not eat raw or undercooked pork.
