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Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease caused by human tapeworm larvae. The larvae enter the muscles of infected animals and form cysts. If people consume meat containing this parasite they can acquire tapeworm infections.

Cysticercosis is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act, and all cases must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

National Cysticercosis Program

The CFIA's National Cysticercosis Program is in place to protect human health through the detection of infected cattle and swine at slaughter. Carcasses are inspected at federally registered abattoirs under the CFIA meat hygiene program. All non-federally registered abattoirs must report any suspicion of cysticercosis to the CFIA for investigation.

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