Hepatitis E virus in pork food chain, United Kingdom, 2009-2010

Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Aug;18(8):1358-60. doi: 10.3201/eid1808.111647.

Abstract

We investigated contamination by hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the pork production chain in the United Kingdom. We detected HEV in pig liver samples in a slaughterhouse, in surface samples from a processing plant, and in pork sausages and surface samples at point of sale. Our findings provide evidence for possible foodborne transmission of HEV during pork production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abattoirs
  • Animals
  • Feces / virology
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Hepatitis E / transmission*
  • Hepatitis E / virology
  • Hepatitis E virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis E virus / isolation & purification*
  • Liver / virology
  • Meat Products / virology
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Swine / virology*
  • Swine Diseases / transmission
  • Swine Diseases / virology
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Substances

  • RNA, Viral