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 log10 cfu/cm², whereas higher levels of 4.3 and 2.9 log10 cfu/cm² 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.