Which parasite is commonly associated with undercooked wild animal meat?

The correct answer is Trichinella, which is a parasite frequently linked to the consumption of undercooked wild animal meat, particularly in species such as bear or wild boar. Trichinella spiralis is the most well-known species that causes trichinosis, a disease resulting from ingesting larvae encysted in the muscle tissue of infected animals. When the meat is not cooked to the appropriate internal temperature, these larvae can survive and infect humans, leading to various symptoms that range from mild to severe, including gastrointestinal distress and muscle pain.

This connection emphasizes the importance of properly cooking meat, especially wild game, to ensure any potential parasites are effectively killed. Safe cooking practices are critical in preventing foodborne illnesses linked to pathogens like Trichinella.

While Giardia and Cryptosporidium are parasites associated with water contamination and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, they are not specifically linked to meat consumption. Cestodes, or tapeworms, can also be related to undercooked meat, but they are less commonly associated with wild animal meat compared to Trichinella. Thus, the definitive link between Trichinella and undercooked wild animal meat makes it the correct answer in this context.