Milk-borne parasitic zoonoses

Abstract

Milk is a valuable source of nutrients, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. However, untreated milk can aid the transmission of some zoonotic pathogens and parasites and cause foodborne outbreaks with moderately high fatality rates. Raw milk can harbour numerous zoonotic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Enteropathogenic bacteria are the primary cause of hospitalisations among many milk-borne pathogens. In contrast, milk-borne parasitic infections can lead to significant fatalities, particularly in the case of affecting the vital organs. Consuming raw milk poses inherent risks due to the potential shedding of toxocara larvae and toxoplasma tachyzoites by the infected lactating animals. Additionally, milk-borne zoonotic outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and cysticercosis can occur due to faecal and environmental contamination of milk and milk products. Ensuring milk safety requires eliminating post-processing contamination routes and enforcing the proper pasteurisation of milk products. Improving hygiene and sanitation standards, tamper-proof packaging, automated refrigeration systems, and early marketing systems provide effective preventive measures. Zoonotic milk-borne parasitic infections are rare in communities but require proper therapeutic care and interventions. Therefore, this study details some of the most reported milk-borne parasitic diseases and their transmission routes, symptoms, diagnosis, and existing preventive measures. Increasing public awareness and intervention strategies can minimise the risk of future community outbreaks of milk-borne parasitic zoonoses, while early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in averting fatalities in risk-prone communities. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.