Globalisation is a manmade phenomenon encompassing
the spread and movement of everything, animate and
inanimate, material and intangible, around the planet.
The intentions of globalisation may be worthy – but
may also have unintended consequences. Pathogens
may also be spread, enabling their establishment in
new niches and exposing new human and animal popula-
tions to infection. The plethora of foodborne parasites
that could be distributed by globalisation has only recent-
ly been acknowledged and will provide challenges for
clinicians, veterinarians, diagnosticians, and everyone
concerned with food safety. Globalisation may also pro-
vide the resources to overcome some of these challenges.
It will facilitate sharing of methods and approaches, and
establishment of systems and databases that enable
control of parasites entering the global food chain.