The Microbiological Status of Carcasses from Wild Boar in Serbia

Abstract In this study, the microbiological status of wild boar carcass meat and the likely sources of its contamination were investigated. Wild boar carcasses (125) were analysed for Total Viable (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae Count (EBC). The mean TVC and EBC on the skin were 3.5 and 2.1 log 10 cfu/cm 2 , whereas higher levels of 4.3 and 2.9 log 10 cfu/cm 2 were determined on carcass meat, respectively. No difference was determined when TVC and EBC were compared between animals shot in the abdominal region and those shot elsewhere, indicating that inadequate hygiene in carcass handling was the reason for high level of microbiological contamination.