As pork remains a crucial part of the diet for tribal communities in Northeast India, concerns are rising over the health risks associated with the consumption of undercooked pork. The region is seeing an increase in parasitic infections, which are transmitted from pigs to humans, contributing to a growing public health concern.
According to an article written by Jonmani Kalita, Lalit Mohan Goswami, and Manisha Choudhury, published on Down to Earth, despite being a reliable and affordable protein source, pork is linked to a range of parasitic diseases.
“Foodborne trematodes like Paragonimus westermani, Fasciola gigantica and Fasciolopsis buski, for instance, are common in northeast India. Trichinella spiralis, identified globally and recently in Romania, is of particular concern. Along with Taenia solium, which causes cysticercosis, these parasites pose public health risks through undercooked pork. Further, Artyfechinostomum sufrartyfex, Opisthorchis noverca, Artyfechinostomum malayanum, Fasciolopsis buski and Gastrodiscoides hominis are also transmitted through undercooked pork,” it said.
It further added that these infections can result in a range of health issues, from gastrointestinal to neurological. Human infections from Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura further highlighted food safety concerns.
The public health issue is compounded by traditional pig farming practices, which often lack the necessary health protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent such zoonotic diseases. Foodborne zoonoses, which affect millions worldwide every year, remain a major concern in the region.
In addition to these health concerns, African Swine Fever (ASF) has wiped out a significant portion of the region’s pig population, leading to a loss of affordable protein. The decline in local pig farming has pushed communities toward alternative, more expensive protein sources, leading to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein.
Economically, ASF has devastated local farmers, causing income losses and disrupting industries like feed suppliers and local markets. This highlights the need for improved disease prevention and control measures in the piggery sector.
Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure nutritional security. Strengthening public health and veterinary services, including regular health checks, vaccination programs, and biosecurity measures, is essential. Promoting alternative protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based options will also help address the decline in pork availability.
Supporting sustainable pig farming through training, better feed access, and financial aid is crucial. Ongoing research and surveillance can help detect and address emerging zoonotic threats. Public education on the risks of zoonotic diseases and biosecurity is also vital.