Studies on Trichinosis. XI—The Epidemiology of Trichinella Spiralis Infestation and Measures Indicated for the Control of Trichinosis

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Abstract
In a series of 3000 diaphragms examined at the National Inst. of Health, the general average of infection, excluding Jews, was 17%, as compared with a corrected average of 18% in the summarized findings of others in various parts of the U. S. In 86.5% not more than 10 larvae per gram were found. No correlation between percentage of infection and different population groups was found, but there is a steady increase in percentage infected up to the 30th year, and there is a higher incidence in geographical areas where swine are extensively fed on uncooked garbage. Of swine fed on cooked garbage, 0.5% are infected; of grain-fed swine, 1%-1.5%; of those fed on uncooked garbage 4.57-5%; and those fed on slaughterhouse offal, 10-20%. The role of the rat has been overemphasized. Prevention of feeding of uncooked garbage to swine is a most important means of reducing trichinosis; 50% of cities of 15 000 or over are estimated to utilize hog-feeding as a method of garbage disposal.