The first large scale randomized control trial in Cambodia animal sourced food systems: rationale and process

Objectives: The aim of the abstract is to share rationale, processes, experiences including challenges made during the implementation of a RCT to improve food safety in traditional pork retail in Cambodia. Material and methods: The RCT was part of an operational research conducted under the framework of the Safe Food Fair Food Cambodia Project implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute in partnership with Cambodian and international partners. It is considered as the first large scale RCT in Cambodia animal sourced food systems. The RCT was implemented across six provinces, each province two control and treatment markets and up to fifteen retailers per selected market. Results: The RCT was designed over a period of approximately six months. This included an in-depth participatory diagnostic with national partners on feasible intervention, selection of provinces and markets, required training and staff needed. In consecutive steps training materials were designed, low-cost equipment agreed and procured (value 25-30 USD). Implementers at provincial level included market managers and local veterinary services. In each of the six province 6-8 local staff was identified consisting of market manager and vets in addition to members of the research team. The RCT was conducted over a period of 6 weeks, this included training, observations of hygienic practice and use of hygienic indicators. Challenges included variations of markets in terms infrastructure, limited information of operating retailers per market and some delayed analysis of RCT results. Conclusions: Important for the success of the RCT (significant hygienic improvements) was the profound preparation (participatory diagnostic) and dedicated support of local authorities prior and throughout the trail. Intervention packages were taken up by national authorities in form of modified guidelines

Low prevalence of cysticercosis and Trichinella infection in pigs in rural Cambodia

Cysticercosis and Trichinella spp. infection are parasitic zoonoses prevalent among pigs in Southeast Asia, where pork is the most important source of meat. In rural Cambodia, many pigs are raised extensively in family backyards, and information regarding the prevalence in rural small-scale pig production is very limited. This study was conducted in four provinces in north-eastern Cambodia to determine the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis and Trichinella spp. infection in rural villages, and to identify possible risk factors. Only households with less than 10 pigs above three months old were eligible. In total, 139 households participated, and 242 blood samples were collected. Farmers were interviewed about food and hygiene habits, disease knowledge and practices. The serum samples were analysed by ELISA to determine antigens to Taenia spp. cysticerci or antibodies to Trichinella spp. muscle larvae. Positivity among the pigs was 11.2% (95% CI 7.5–15.8) for Taenia spp. cysts and 2.5% (95% CI 0.9–5.4) for Trichinella spp. Cysticerci were more common in the province Preah Vihear (p < 0.001) than in the other provinces. Risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis were management systems for the pigs and access to human faeces (p < 0.001). Trichinella spp. infection in pigs was more common in the province Ratanakiri (p = 0.001). The main risk factor associated with Trichinella spp. transmission was feeding pigs with food waste (p = 0.048). More men had heard about cysticercosis than women (p = 0.002), and men also consumed undercooked pork meat to a greater extent (p = 0.004). Although the present study is relatively small, several risk factors could be identified for porcine infection with Taenia spp. and Trichinella spp., which can be used to guide future interventions to improve both porcine and human health in these provinces