Consumption Of Wild Meat Research Articles

Assessment of microbial communities on freshly killed wild boar meat by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are the most widely distributed large mammals and recent increase in consumption of wild boar meat urges the need of microbiological quality criteria. The aim of the study was to characterize the initial bacterial contamination on freshly-killed wild boar meat using a culture-dependent approach with ISO-methods combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Moreover, the presence of foodborne pathogens was examined using Real-Time-PCR and confirmed by classical isolation. Analysing 22 unrelated wild boar meat samples showed a higher bacterial contamination level compared to pork, with Salmonella present in almost one third of the samples. A great variability of the microbial contamination between the samples was recorded, as well as complementary results between culturing and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing as frequently isolated genera were not always detected, and vice versa. Furthermore, the foodborne pathogen Salmonella was never detected with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, demonstrating the necessity for a cautious approach in the implementation of new analysis techniques in food safety. The present work determines that attention should be paid to the trade of non-inspected meat directly to retail or consumers.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella infections in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Northeastern Patagonia, Argentina

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) was introduced in many countries of the world and is recognized as carrier of many infectious diseases. Wild game meat consumption is recognized as a source of transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in free-range wild boars in Northeastern Argentine Patagonia. Between 2014 and 2018, 144 blood samples and 423 muscle samples from 423 carcasses were collected. To detect T. gondii IgG, 144 sera were processed by an immunofluorescent antibody test, and to detect anti-Trichinella IgG, 125 sera and 304 muscle juice samples were processed by ELISA. Detection of first stage larvae in muscle was performed by artificial digestion. A total of 423 wild boars muscle samples were negative to Trichinella spp. by artificial digestion. Antibodies to Trichinella spp. were detected in 2.4% (3/125) of serum samples and in 1.64% (5/304) of meat juice samples. Antibodies to T. gondii infection were detected in 12.5% (18/144) of the serum samples. This is the first study to reveal the presence of antibodies to T. gondii in wild boars from Argentina. The present results suggest that consumption of raw or undercooked wild boar meat could represent a potential source risk for toxoplasmosis in humans and that Trichinella spp. is infrequent and/or that it circulates in low burdens among wild boars in Northeastern Patagonia.

DNA Barcoding as a Diagnostic Tool of a Rare Human Parasitosis: The First Case of Lagochilascaris minor in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Recently, DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) has become a widespread tool to identify animals. Its use with parasites of humans has been limited with some groups of nematodes where the amplification of this gene has been difficult. In this study, we present the first COI barcode sequence of a rare parasite from tropical regions, Lagochilascaris minor, which parasitized a human host from Quintana Roo, southern Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Destruction of the mastoid apophysis in the lateral sinus and cerebellar involvement were observed at the site of infection. After a radical mastoidectomy and a treatment with 200 mg oral albendazole for 63 days, the patient completely recovered. Lagochilascaris minor was identified based on the ratio between length of spicules and ejaculatory duct, shape of eggs, and host, as well as comparison with its congeners. The mode of infection is unknown, although it could be after direct exposure to eggs or consumption of uncooked wild meat. Morphology of adults is demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy, and high-quality sequences of COI barcode are presented from amplifications using semi-degenerate primers designed for micro-crustaceans. DNA barcoding proved to be a reliable identification method for L. minor. A comparison of the sequences for this species with 81 ascaridoids obtained from the Barcode of Life Database places it in a unique clade most closely related to Baylisascaris procyonis. Future diagnosis of larval and adult stages of L. minor using DNA barcoding will allow the recognition of its infection parameters, transmission, and precise epidemiology. Reports of lagochilascarosis in the Yucatán Peninsula have been occurred over the last decade, suggesting it is an emerging zoonotic disease in the region.

Celebrity Chefs and New Meat Consumption Norms: Seeking Questions, Not Answers

Celebrity Chefs and New Meat Consumption Norms: Seeking Questions, Not Answers

Ebola in animals - our knowledge to date: assessing human exposure risks

Purpose: Many unknowns remain concerning the role of animal species in the epidemiology of ebolavirus (EBOV) and transmission risk to humans. The 2018 Ebola outbreak led the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to update its qualitative risk assessment on EBOV release from animals or their products and human exposure. Methods & Materials: A literature review identified recent publications (since January 2015, when FAO's last EBOV risk assessment was published). International scientists provided information from ongoing research, both laboratory and field studies. FAO colleagues from affected and at risk countries contributed field knowledge. Utilizing the information collected from various sources, the likelihood for human exposure to EBOV was assessed considering close contact, handling and consumption of (i) wild animal species or (ii) domestic animal species in areas where EBOV is present, as well as (iii) the likelihood of EBOV introduction into non-infected countries through trade, handling or consumption of meat from susceptible wild animals originating from affected areas. Results: The likelihood for human exposure from susceptible wild animals, such as fruit bats, non-human primates and duikers, in areas where EBOV is present was assessed as low. For domestic animals in these areas, such as pigs and dogs, the likelihood was assessed as very low. The likelihood of EBOV introduction into non-infected countries through trade, handling and consumption of wild meat was also assessed as very low. Given limited availability of surveillance or field study data, the level of uncertainty in the assessment remains high. Conclusion: Investigations of historic human outbreaks suggest that EBOV is initially introduced into human populations through contact with infected wild mammals or their meat. However, in line with the assessed low likelihood, this is considered a rare event. The public health impact of spillover, when occurring, is however devastating due to the huge consequences that human outbreaks entail. The risk assessment helped consolidating current knowledge on EBOV in animals and highlighted outstanding knowledge gaps, including EBOV survival in the environment, susceptibility of animal species in field settings, and information on wild meat trade movements.

The urgency of Sustainable Ocean Studies in management

Seemingly infinite, and above all so far away from our daily worries, the ocean may look like it can put up with all anthropic pressures: plastic, warming, acidification, resources overconsumption, novel entities, biodiversity and habitat loss. But science keeps showing it cannot. There is an urgent need to address these pressures that threaten both natural and human ecosystems. In this context of urgency, it appears crucial to develop Sustainable Ocean Studies, whose keystone could be management science. Unfortunately, while natural sciences have largely contributed to our understanding of marine issues and their solutions, management scholars on the contrary have rather neglected the ocean. In this special issue, we focus on the need for Sustainable Ocean Studies through three original highlights: scuba diving, marine wild meat consumption and interdisciplinary ocean research.

Seroprevalensi Trichinellosis pada Babi Hutan di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah, Provinsi Bengkulu

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by nematode of the genus Trichinella infection. Transmission of this disease in humans occurs because of eating meat, especially pork containing Trichinella spp. larvae in raw or undercooked conditions. Data on trichinellosis cases in humans and animals in Indonesia are still very limited. This study was carried out to identify the seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. in wild boar in Central Bengkulu District and the level of public knowledge about trichinellosis. Sampling method was used cross sectional method by taking blood serum sample from captured wild boar at TPH in Talang Boseng of Bengkulu Province. Result of serological test using indirect ELISA showed seroprevalence of trichinellosis was 68.2% of total 44 samples obtained. Seropositive results based on the sub-district of the wild boar captured were 12 of 18 (66.7%) in Pondok Kubang and 18 of 26 (69.2%) in Pondok Kelapa. All wild boar meat consumer respondents did not understand that consumption of wild boar meat could become the source of trichinellosis transmission.

Self-reported risk factors for having Escherichia coli sequence type 131 or its H30 subclone among US Veterans with a clinical E. coli isolate.

Among 469 US military veterans with an Escherichia coli clinical isolate (2012-2013), we explored healthcare and non-healthcare risk factors for having E. coli sequence type 131 and its H30 subclone (ST131-H30). Overall, 66 (14%) isolates were ST131; 51 (77%) of these were ST131-H30. After adjustment for healthcare-associated factors, ST131 remained positively associated with medical lines and nursing home residence. After adjustment for environmental factors, ST131 remained associated with wild animal contact (positive), meat consumption (negative) and pet cat exposure (negative). Thus, ST131 was associated predominantly with healthcare-associated exposures, while non-ST131 E. coli were associated with some environmental exposures.

Multiplex TaqMan qPCR assay for specific identification of encapsulated Trichinella species prevalent in North America.

BACKGROUND Human trichinellosis is a foodborne parasitic zoonotic disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat infected with nematode larvae of the genus Trichinella. In the USA, sporadic cases and outbreaks caused by the consumption of wild game meat infected with Trichinella have been reported. The current methods for diagnosis such as serology and microscopy are not specific, may result in false negative results, and cannot differentiate encapsulated Trichinella larvae to species level. The molecular protocols currently available for the differentiation of all encapsulate Trichinella species prevalent in North America have some limitations such as the inability to identify and resolve the presence of several Trichinella species in a single test. OBJECTIVES/METHODS In this study we developed and evaluated a multiplex TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, which can simultaneously detect, identify and differentiate all species of encapsulated Trichinella occurring in North America i.e., T. nativa, T. spiralis, T. murrelli and Trichinella T6, even in cases of multiple infection in a single sample. We investigated two human biopsies and 35 wild animal meat samples considered as having a high likelihood of harboring Trichinella larvae obtained from the United States during 2009-2017. FINDINGS Using the multiplex assay describe here, 22 (59%) samples that tested positive contained Trichinella spp., were identified as: T. nativa (n = 7, including a human biopsy), T. spiralis (n = 9, including a human biopsy), T. murrelli (n = 3), Trichinella T6 (n = 1). Results also included two rare mixed infection cases in bears, a T. nativa/T. spiralis from Alaska and a T. spiralis/Trichinella T6 from California. The species identifications were confirmed using a conventional PCR targeting the rRNA ITS1-ITS2 region, followed by DNA sequencing analysis. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) was approximately seven larvae per gram of meat. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Differentiation of Trichinella spp. is needed to improve efforts on identification of case, optimize food safety control and better understand the geographic distribution of Trichinella species. The Trichinella qPCR multiplex proved to be a robust, easy to perform assay and is presented as an improved technique for identification of all known encapsulated species occurring in North America continent.

“Bushmeat Crisis” and “Cultural Imperialism” in Wildlife Management? Taking Value Orientations Into Account for a More Sustainable and Culturally Acceptable Wildmeat Sector

OPINION article Front. Ecol. Evol., 02 August 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2018.00112

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Potentially Zoonotic Helminths in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) Hunted in Central Italy

Abstract Our aim was to evaluate the risk of human toxoplasmosis via meat consumption from wild boars by estimating the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in animals hunted in central Italy. Using a modified agglutination test, 213 sera from wild boars were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Diaphragm samples (n=65) from seropositive and seronegative animals were tested by nested-PCR to detect T. gondii DNA. Toxoplasma DNA from diaphragms was genotyped by PCR-RFLP using 12 genetic markers. Moreover, the aim of the study was also to identify helminth infections of wild boars in the selected area and to evaluate their hazard for humans. Examination of sera revealed a seroprevalence of 12.2%. Only one T. gondii strain could be genotyped from a seropositive animal and PCR-RFLP revealed that it belonged to type II. Analysis of 50 samples of faeces and 32 small intestines revealed that 78% and 15.6% of the samples harboured parasites, respectively, with the occurrence of parasites potentially dangerous for humans. These latter included Ascaris suum, Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, Trichuris suis, and Metastrongylus spp. A significant association was found between coprological positivity and male sex. These results indicate that T. gondii infection may be present in wild boar tissues and consumption of undercooked or raw wild boar meat may expose humans to risk of toxoplasmosis in the study area. Furthermore, the study highlights that wild boars are hosts of helminths of veterinary and medical importance transmissible to pigs and humans.

Monitoring of 137CS and 40K in the Levice District, Southern Slovakia

Abstract The contamination of the environment, soil and meat of wild animals with radionuclides can negatively affect human health. The aim of our study was to analyse the risk arising from post-Chernobyl contamination of the meat of wild boars (Sus scrofa) originating from the district Levice, southern Slovakia, with the radioactive artificial element 137Cs. The level of natural radionuclide 40K was also determined. We examined altogether 45 samples obtained from 9 wild boars hunted in this area during the period of 2013—2015. From each animal we collected and analysed samples from the thigh, stomach contents, stomach muscles and skin. We also examined samples of soil from the locations where these animals were shot. The activity values of radioactive caesium 137Cs determined in this study were very low and therefore the consumption of wild boar meat originating from this location presents no risk to human health.

Molecular identification of Trichinella spp. in wild boar, and serological survey of high-risk populations in Iran

After half a century, Trichinella infection has been reported in humans following ingestion of wild boar meat hunted in Northern Iran. We have performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. infections in wild boar and prevalence of anti-Trichinella antibodies among at-risk individuals for the first time in Iran. Muscle and sera samples were collected from 79 wild boars and 364 at-risk individuals. Trichinella infection has been investigated by artificial digestion and molecular identification (in wild boar muscles) and by serology (in humans). Trichinella larvae were isolated from three wild boars (3.7%; 95% CI, 2.9–4.3). The isolated larvae were identified as T. britovi using CO1 and 5S rRNA gene primers amplification. The percent identity regarding to 5S rRNA gene (98.7–100%) and divergence (0–1.9%) further confirmed the isolates as T. britovi. Of the 364 participants, anti-Trichinella IgG were detected in 8 (2.2%; CI 95%, 1.9–2.4). Risk factors associated with Trichinella infection seropositivity in humans, were hunter being (OR, 13.5; 95% CI, 3.1–59.4; P = 0.003) and high consumption (more than 7 time in a year) of wild boar meat (OR, 17.5; 95% CI, 3.2–93.6; P < 0.001). In conclusion, results of this study emphasized that consumption of wild boar meat could be important source of human trichinellosis as a completely neglected infection disease in Iran. We suggest that the additional studies should be performed in different parts of Iran to further clarify the prevalence of trichinellosis in wild animals to guide the development of appropriate public health interventions.

Unintended consequences of the ‘bushmeat ban’ in West Africa during the 2013–2016 Ebola virus disease epidemic

Following the 2013–2016 outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa, governments across the region imposed a ban on the hunting and consumption of meat from wild animals. This injunction was accompanied by public health messages emphasising the infectious potential of wild meat, or ‘bushmeat.’ Using qualitative methods, we examine the local reception and impact of these interventions. Fieldwork was focused in 9 villages in the Eastern and Southern provinces of Sierra Leone between August and December 2015. We conducted 47 semi-structured interviews, coordinated 12 informal group discussions, and conducted direct observations throughout. We also draw from research undertaken in Sierra Leone immediately before the outbreak, and from our participation in the EVD response in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Our findings underscore the social and political reverberations of hunting proscriptions. Messaging that unilaterally stressed the health risk posed by wild meat contradicted the experiences of target publics, who consume wild meat without incident. This epistemic dissonance radically undercut the effectiveness of the ban, which merely served to proliferate informal networks of wild animal trade and sale—rendering the development of acceptable, evidence-based surveillance and mitigation strategies for zoonotic spillovers almost impossible. Further, the criminalisation of wild meat consumption fuelled fears and rumours within communities under considerable strain from the health, social, and economic effects of the epidemic, entrenching distrust towards outbreak responders and exacerbating pre-existing tensions within villages. These unintended consequences are instructive for public health emergency response and preparedness. While wild meat is a risk for zoonotic infection, mitigating those risks entails interventions that fully take into account the local significances of hunting—including a communicative engagement that is designed, validated, and continually refined before emergency situations. Ultimately, our research questions the value of legal sanctions as a means of behavioural change in an emergency context.

Human Trichinellosis: Epidemiological Situation in Lithuania, 2008-2017

Trichinellosis is an important public health problem in Lithuania. According to the data from the Centre for Communicable Diseases and AIDS, 391 cases of human trichinellosis were reported in Lithuania over the period of 2008-2017, including 13 sporadic cases and 33 outbreaks. The highest incidence rate of infection was recorded among adults. Epidemiological investigation showed that human trichinellosis in Lithuania is transmitted through consumption of infected pork and wild boar meat. 50.4% of cases of human trichinellosis during the period occurred due to consumption of infected wild boar meat that had not been examined for trichinellosis.

Różnice pomiędzy parametrami technologicznymi i teksturalnymi mięsa jeleni (Cervus elaphus) hodowlanych i dziko żyjących określone metodą składowych głównych

Recently an upward trend has been reported in the consumption of wild meat, especially of the deer meat, for its nutritional value and specific taste. Chemical, technological and textural properties of meat are its basic quality indicators. Consumer preferences are strongly influenced by thermal treatment techniques of meat affecting its tastiness and the latter one alters with changes in the chemical and textural properties of meat. The objective of the research study was to describe the quality of red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat and the differences between technological and textural parameters of meat from farmed and wildlife animals. Samples were collected from a Musculus semimembranosus muscle. In the analysis a method of principal components (PCA) was applied. The first seven principal components explained (described) more than 90 % of the total variance of all the parameters studied, however the first three principal components described over 62 % of the total variance of the parameters analyzed. In the case of the first principal component, the most significant variables thereof were: chewiness, springiness and cohesiveness of the fried samples, water bath cooking loss, content of fat and springiness of the cooked samples. The statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found in the contents of water, protein and fat. The analysis of the texture profile showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the following parameters: springiness of the samples cooked in water bath, hardness and cohesiveness of the roasted samples, and springiness and chewiness of the fried samples. Based on the results of the analysis performed it was concluded that the value of pH as well as the chemical, technological and textural properties could provide useful information that make it possible to determine the origin of meat (farmed animals vs. wildlife animals).

Sparganosis – neglected zoonosis and its reservoir in wildlife

Emerging parasitic invasions may have a significant influence on wild and domestic animals, as well as humans worldwide. One of the possible sources of infection is the consumption of the meat of wild animals that enable infectious agents to circulate in the environment and transmit them to human and domesticated animal hosts. Human sparganosis is an emerging and neglected zoonosis worldwide. Most cases are known from Asia; however, a few cases have also been diagnosed in Europeans. Recently, in Białowieża Primeval Forest, north-eastern Poland, cases of sparganosis were stated in both intermediate (raccoon dog, badger, wild boar) and definitive hosts (wolf, lynx). Confirmed presence of sparganosis in game species (wild boar) and the possibility of its occurrence in domestic animals (dogs and cats) must be taken into consideration in case this zoonosis is not routinely diagnosed by veterinarians. Plerocercoids in wild boar are located subcutaneously and in muscle tissue. Thus, the emergence of human sparganosis due to consumption of undercooked or smoked wild boar meat is very likely in the areas where wild boar is an approved food source. In this review we describe the biology of Spirometra sp. and the current knowledge about the spread of this tapeworm among wild animals as well as the risk for people, focusing on the situation in Europe. .

Quantifying the scale and socioeconomic drivers of bird hunting in Central African forest communities

Global biodiversity is threatened by unsustainable exploitation for subsistence and commerce, and tropical forests are facing a hunting crisis. In Central African forests, hunting pressure has been quantified by monitoring changes in the abundance of affected species and by studying wild meat consumption, trade and hunter behaviour. However, a proportion of offtake is also discarded as bycatch or consumed by hunters when working, which can be overlooked by these methods. For example, remains of hornbills and raptors are found regularly in hunting camps but relatively few birds are consumed in households or traded in markets. Hornbill and raptor populations are sensitive to small increases in mortality because of their low intrinsic population growth rates, however, the scale and socioeconomic drivers of the cryptic hunting pressure affecting these species have not been quantified. We used direct and indirect questioning and mixed-effects models to quantify the socioeconomic predictors, scale and seasonality of illegal bird hunting and consumption in Littoral Region, Cameroon. We predicted that younger, unemployed men with low educational attainment (i.e. hunters) would consume birds more often than other demographics, and that relative offtake would be higher than expected based on results from village and market-based studies. We found that birds were primarily hunted and consumed by unemployed men during the dry season but, in contrast to expectations, we found that hunting prevalence increased with educational attainment. Within unemployed men educated to primary level (240 of 675 respondents in 19 villages), we estimated an average of 29 hornbills and eight raptors (compared with 19 pangolins) were consumed per month during the study period (Feb–Jun 2015) in a catchment of c.1135km2. We conclude that large forest birds face greater hunting pressure than previously recognised, and birds are a regular source of protein for men during unemployment. Offtake levels may be unsustainable for some raptors and hornbills based on life history traits but in the absence of sufficient baseline ecological and population data we recommend that a social-ecological modeling approach is used in future to quantify hunting sustainability.

Interactive impacts of by-catch take and elite consumption of illegal wildlife

Harvesting, consumption and trade of forest meat are key causes of biodiversity loss. Successful mitigation programs are proving difficult to design, in part because anthropogenic pressures are treated as internationally uniform. Despite illegal hunting being a key conservation issue in the Pacific Islands, there is a paucity of research. Here, we examine the dynamics of hunting of birds and determine how these contribute to biodiversity loss on the islands of Samoa. We focus on the interactive effects of hunting on two key seed dispersing bird species: the Pacific pigeon (Ducula pacifica) and the critically endangered Manumea or tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigiristris). We interviewed hunters, vendors and consumers and analyzed household consumption. Results suggest that over 22,000 pigeons were consumed per year and this is by primarily the richest people across the country. Indeed, the wealthiest 10% of households consumed 43% of all wild pigeon meat, and the wealthiest 40% of households consumed 80% of all pigeons. The Manumea was shot by 33% (n = 30) of the surveyed hunters while pursuing the Pacific pigeon. Results raise serious conservation concerns, as pigeon hunting is likely to be a key factor contributing to the decline of the Manumea and critical forest seed dispersers in general. Our results show that wild meat consumption can lead to non-targeted pressure on bycatch species. Wild meat harvesting and consumption is a key issue leading to species declines and extinctions in the tropics. It is critical that this issue receives the appropriate attention and is addressed in the Pacific if species and forests are to be maintained.

Changing Wild Meat Consumption: An Experiment in the Central Amazon, Brazil

AbstractMillions of people across the tropics rely on wildlife for food and income. However, overhunting to satisfy this demand is causing the decline of many species; an issue known as the wild meat crisis. We applied a before‐after control‐intervention design to assess the effects of social marketing (an information campaign and community engagement) with and without an economic incentive (discount coupons for chicken) on wild meat consumption. Coupons increased chicken consumption, as expected, but did not reduce wild meat consumption. In contrast, social marketing without the price incentive reduced wild meat consumption by ∼62%. This study demonstrates how social marketing and price incentives may be effective at reducing demand for meat and other wildlife products.