EN
The study was aimed at evaluating the incidence of trichinosis in wild boars and swine in Poland in 2003-2009. The wild boar population and hunting exploitation of this species were also analysed. During the period studied, the number of trichinosis cases decreased by more than 80% in swine but increased by more than 150% in wild boars. The percentage of trichinosis cases diagnosed in swine as compared with wild boars decreased from 36.2% to 2.5%. Trichinosis was diagnosed most often in western and northern parts of Poland, whereas the least cases were found in southern and eastern regions. This fact is directly attributable to the increase in the wild boar population as well as a different distribution of these animals in particular regions of Poland. The increase in the wild boar population, especially in western and northern regions of Poland, results mainly from larger forest areas in those parts of the country and from intensified agriculture, associated with the cultivation of common maize as a basic fodder crop. All these factors, through their direct and indirect influence on the wild boar population, have increased the reproduction potential of boars. Moreover, the rapid growth of the population resulted in the need to enlarge hunting areas, which led to an increased supply of wild boar meat on the market. The growing number of trichinosis cases among wild boars increases the risk of infection in humans. It is therefore necessary to observe the obligation of examining wild boar meat for trichinosis whenever the meat is taken for personal use.