Abstract
Trade of bushmeat and other wildlife for human consumption presents a unique set of challenges to policy-makers who are confronted with multiple trade-offs between conservation, food security, food safety, culture and tradition. In the face of these complex issues, risk assessments supported by quantitative information would facilitate evidence-based decision making.We propose a conceptual model for disease transmission risk analysis, inclusive of these multiple other facets. To quantify several processes included in this conceptual model we conducted questionnaire surveys with wildlife consumers and vendors in semi-urban centers in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR, Laos) and direct observations of consumer behaviors. Direct observation of market stalls indicated an estimated average of 10 kg bushmeat biomass per stall per hour. The socio-demographic data suggested that consumption of bushmeat in urban areas was not for subsistence but rather driven by dietary preference and tradition. Consumer behavioral observations indicated that each animal receives an average of 7 contacts per hour. We provide other key parameters to estimate the risk of disease transmission from bushmeat consumption and illustrate their use in assessing the total public health and socio-economic impact of bushmeat consumption.Pursuing integrative approaches to the study of bushmeat consumption is essential to develop effective and balanced policies that support conservation, public health, and rural development goals.
Highlights
Wildlife trade and the consumption of wild meat have increasingly been scrutinized for their role in zoonotic pathogen emergence into human populations (Chomel et al, 2007; Karesh et al, 2005; Kilonzo et al, 2013; Swift et al, 2007; Wolfe et al, 2005; Greatorex et al, 2016)
We provided a quantitative risk analysis (QRA) framework to quantify the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from bushmeat consumption, provided uniquely detailed information to fill important data gaps, and parameterized key elements of this model framework
We demonstrated high rates of direct contact between bushmeat and people visiting the market, highlighting that this may be an under-estimated route of disease transmission in the bushmeat system
Summary
Wildlife trade and the consumption of wild meat (or “bushmeat”) have increasingly been scrutinized for their role in zoonotic pathogen emergence into human populations (Chomel et al, 2007; Karesh et al, 2005; Kilonzo et al, 2013; Swift et al, 2007; Wolfe et al, 2005; Greatorex et al, 2016). There is growing evidence for the presence of zoonotic pathogens in traded and consumed bushmeat (Kilonzo et al, 2013; Kurpiers et al, 2016; Schoder et al, 2015; Smith et al, 2012), and pathogen spillovers into humans have repeatedly occurred as a result of wild meat consumption (Calattini et al, 2007; Kalish et al, 2005; Mouinga-Ondeme et al, 2012; Wolfe et al, 2004). The high contamination of carcasses and the lack of inspection and cold chain increase the risk that bushmeat carries and transmits diverse foodborne pathogens (Bachand et al, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
