Study Finds Widespread Parasite Contamination in 96% of Skipjack Tuna Samples

Facts

• Researchers examined 53 Katsuwonus pelamis (skipjack tuna) specimens using morphological methods and scanning electron microscopy to assess parasitic contamination.
• 96% of the 53 samples analyzed showed parasite contamination.
• Two genera of zoonotic parasites were identified: Anisakis sp. (Nematoda) and Trypanorhyncha (Cestoda).
• The intestine, muscle tissue, and stomach were the most affected organs, containing 596, 441, and 408 parasites respectively.
• Only the kidney and heart were free of parasitic contamination in all samples examined.
• The study emphasizes the importance of sanitary inspection and immediate evisceration to prevent larvae from migrating from the viscera into the muscle tissue.

Source

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