ORIGINAL: North Texan

Every hog I have ever shot has had parasites. The lice and ticks are the most visible, but they don't affect the meat. There are probably other parasites, too, but as long as you cook the meat properly, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

When I clean mine, I use those blue rubber gloves to cover my hands. Sometimes I take an old pear burner and burn off the lice and ticks so I don't get any on me. Then I just go to work cleaning. Then I cook the meat long and slow until I'm sure it is plenty done. Haven't had any problems yet.