Reference should always be made to the full text of the original mission report. Origins of the epidemic 1. The epidemic stems from a horse imported from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. However, many questions remain as to its precise origins, given the practice of triangular trade. In view of the recent epidemics of human trichinellosis and current trade flows, imports of live horses or fresh horsemeat coming from Poland, Rumania and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia present a considerable risk to the Community because of the endemic situation of this parasitosis in the wild and the way these animals are fed.
Consumers are accustomed to consuming refrigerated horsemeat.
This tradition prevents the destruction of the parasite by heat during cooking. Thanks to the efficiency of the epidemiological survey it was possible to avoid major medical complications in most of the victims. A shortcoming in the monitoring system is probably at the origin of the epidemic. However, in the light of the available data it is not possible to determine with certainty where precisely this shortcoming may have arisen . Shortcomings in the abattoir 1.