Consumption Of Game Meat Research Articles

Human paleodiet studies between ca. 3300–1500 years BP in Quebrada de Los Corrales (Tucumán, Argentina)

In Quebrada de Los Corrales, located in northwestern Argentina, a local economic transitional process took place between ca. 3800 and 2000 BP, during which groups of hunter-gatherers incorporated agriculture and pastoralism. In this paper, we characterize the human diet in the period between 3300 and 1500 years BP using stable carbon isotope analysis on collagen and apatite as well as nitrogen. The application of a Bayesian mixing model allowed us to establish the dominant consumption of game meat and C3 plants. These results are the first obtained for the area and form an independent line of evidence for the process of socioeconomic change from societies of nomadic hunters towards societies of agro-pastoral villages. Thus, even when the number of individuals analyzed is low, they are archaeologically relevant as they represented the only pre-Hispanic funerary contexts detected in the study area so far.

Accumulation of diastereomers of anticoagulant rodenticides in wild boar from suburban areas: Implications for human consumers

We studied the prevalence of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in liver and muscle tissues of wild boar captured in the urban area of Barcelona, the suburban area of Collserola Natural Park and the rural area of Santa Quiteria, next to Cabañeros National Park, in Spain. The objective was to assess the influence of both urbanisation and wild boar (Sus scrofa) trophic opportunism on the accumulation of these compounds. We have also evaluated the risk for human consumers of this game meat. Wild boars from Barcelona city showed the highest prevalence of ARs detection (60.8%), followed by the adjoining suburban area of Collserola N.P. (40%) and the rural distant area of Santa Quiteria (7.7%). Liver bioaccumulated ARs (45.2%) more frequently than muscle (11.9%). A significant proportion (13.7%) of wild boar captured in Barcelona city exceeded 200 ng/g of total ARs in liver, a threshold for adverse effects on blood clotting. For difenacoum, there was a predominance of cis isomer, while for brodifacoum and bromadiolone cis and trans isomers appeared in a similar proportion. According to the scarce available information on ARs toxicity in humans, the risk of acute poisoning from game meat consumption seems to be low. However, repeated exposure through liver consumption should be considered in further risk assessments because of the high concentration detected in some samples (up to 0.68 mg/kg).

Six weeks into the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak: it is time to consider strategies to impede the emergence of new zoonotic infections.

Six weeks into the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak: it is time to consider strategies to impede the emergence of new zoonotic infections.

Generational Differences in Perceptions of Food Health/Risk and Attitudes toward Organic Food and Game Meat: The Case of the COVID-19 Crisis in China.

In December 2019, a novel laboratory-confirmed coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection, which has caused clusters of severe illnesses, was first reported in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, China. This foodborne illness, which reportedly most likely originated in a seafood market where wild animals are sold illegally, has transmitted among humans through close contact, across the world. The aim of this study is to explore health/risk perceptions of and attitudes toward healthy/risky food in the immediate context of food crisis. More specifically, by using the data collected from 1008 respondents in January 2020, the time when China was hit hard by the “Corona Virus Disease 2019” (COVID-19), this study investigates the overall and different generational respondents’ health/risk perceptions of and attitudes toward organic food and game meat. The results reveal that, firstly, based on their food health and risk perceptions of healthy and risky food, the respondents’ general attitudes are positive toward organic food but relatively negative toward game meat. Secondly, older generations have a more positive attitude and are more committed to organic food. Younger generations’ attitude toward game meat is more negative whereas older generations attach more importance to it because of its nutritional and medicinal values. In addition, this research also indicates that the COVID-19 crisis influences the respondents’ perceptions of and attitudes toward organic food and game meat consumption. However, the likelihood of its impact on older generations’ future change in diets is smaller, which implies that older generations’ food beliefs are more stable.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of predictors of human hepatitis E virus exposure in non-endemic countries.

The reported incidence of clinical hepatitis E cases is rising in some non‐endemic countries, with concurrent concerns regarding potential hepatitis E virus (HEV) contamination of the blood supply. Therefore, the characterization of major potential sources of human HEV exposure is important to inform risk assessment and public health policy. A systematic review was conducted, including a comprehensive search in six electronic bibliographic databases, verified by hand‐searching reference lists of HEV reviews, and a grey literature search, of the broad research question ‘what is the evidence of the association between predictors of human HEV exposure, and HEV IgG seropositivity, in non‐endemic countries?’ Using forms designed a priori, captured studies were appraised at first‐level screening, second‐level characterization, and third‐level data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Meta‐analysis yielded summary estimates of association between potential predictors and odds of HEV seropositivity. Meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of the odds of HEV seroprevalence in specific groups characterized potential sources of HEV exposure. From 4,163 captured citations, 245 relevant studies underwent data extraction, investigating HEV seroprevalence or predictors in both healthy subjects and targeted patient groups. Across these groups, increasing age was a predictor of HEV IgG seropositivity. Both human immunodeficiency virus patients and haemodialysis patients had significantly increased odds of HEV seropositivity relative to the general population. Working with pigs, in forestry, or in hospitals, was significantly associated with increased odds of HEV seropositivity, as were consumption of meat, pork or game meat, or hunting. Chronological time was not associated with HEV seropositivity within our data sets. Further study of the distribution of potential dietary or behavioural predictors between high and lower prevalence areas within non‐endemic countries could improve our understanding of the relative importance of specific HEV transmission pathways.

The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Boars from Three Voivodeships in Poland, MAT Analyses

PurposeThe European wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a popular game animal species. Its meat, however, can represent a reservoir of dangerous foodborne diseases and can play an important role in the transmission of many pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, in humans and animals worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies to T. gondii in the serum of hunted wild boars in Poland.MethodsUsing the commercial direct agglutination test, 398 serum samples collected during the hunting season 2009/2010 were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies, and the titre of 40 was considered indicative of T. gondii infection in analysed samples.ResultsIt was found that nationwide, 37.7% were seropositive to T. gondii, although seroprevalence varied from 11.6 to 50% depending on the Voivodeship. Significant differences were observed between the Great Poland and Lubusz Voivodeships and between Great Poland and Warmian-Masurian.ConclusionSerological test indicated widespread exposure to T. gondii by wild boar; therefore, consumption of raw or undercooked game meat of infected animals can carry a significant risk of T. gondii infection.

Surveillance of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in wild Japanese deer (Cervus nippon) and boar (Sus scrofa).

Increasing game meat consumption in Japan requires the dissemination of safety information regarding the presence of human pathogens in game animals. Health information regarding the suitability of these animals as a meat source is not widely available. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety of game meat and detect potential human pathogens in wild deer (Cervus nippon) and boar (Sus scrofa) in Japan. Fecal samples from 305 wild deer and 248 boars of Yamaguchi, Kagoshima, and Tochigi prefectures collected monthly for 2 years were examined for the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Campylobacter spp. STEC was isolated from 51 deer consistently throughout the year and from three boars; O-antigen genotype O146, the expression of stx2b, and eaeA absence (n=33) were the major characteristics of our STEC isolates. Other serotypes included the medically important O157, stx2b or stx2c, and eaeA-positive (n=4) and O26, stx1a, and eaeA-positive strains (n=1). Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 17 deer and 31 boars. Campylobacter hyointestinalis was the most common species isolated from 17 deer and 25 boars, whereas Campylobacter lanienae and Campylobacter coli were isolated from three and two boars, respectively. Seasonal trends for the isolation of these bacteria were not significant. This study demonstrates that wild game animals carry human pathogens; therefore, detailed knowledge of the safe handling of game meat is needed to prevent foodborne infections.

ACTIVITY OF 137CS IN HUMAN BODY OF INHABITANTS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

The time course of 137Cs activity in general population of the Czech Republic has been systematically followed since the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Either whole body counting or the determination of 137Cs content in 24-hour urine samples were used as a method of determination of body activity. Environmental and effective half-lives were calculated from the data. In the time period from 1986 to 1990 the effective half-life was 1.3years; since 1990 up to present the half-life is 15years. The older data on whole body activity of 137Cs from 1965 to 1985 were compiled and are presented as well. Apart from the general population, a group of people who have special dietary habits in terms of increased game meat consumption, namely wild boar meat, has been monitored since 2000. In this group, the body content of 137Cs is about two orders of magnitude higher than in the general population.

Occurrence of HEV-RNA in Italian Regional Pork and Wild Boar Food Products.

Hepatitis E is an emerging threat in industrialized countries. The foodborne transmission linked to consumption of pork and game meat is considered the main source of autochthonous infection. In Europe, small outbreaks have been reported linked to the consumption of pork liver sausages and wild boar meat. Based on previous findings and on increasing evidence of pork and game meat as a vehicle for HEV infections, the present study investigated the occurrence of HEV in 99 pork and 63 wild boar sausages and salami sold in Southern Italy. The HEV genome was detected in four wild boar sausages. Sequencing from 2 wild boar sausages confirmed that the HEV strains detected belonged to HEV-3genotype, not assigned to any defined subtype. Data obtained confirmed the possible occurrence of HEV in pork products and in game. Although the detection rate is low, these products are frequently consumed raw after curing, whose effect on virus viability is still unknown.

Game Meat Consumption and Foodborne Illness in Japan: A Web-Based Questionnaire Survey

Game meat represents a unique source of foodborne illness in humans. A Web-based survey about game meat consumption was completed by 50,000 respondents. The odds of illness were greater among consumers of raw game meat than processed meat. The greater the number of game meat types consumed, the higher the prevalence of illness. Those who hunted and prepared bear, boar, and deer meat were likely to get ill.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella spp. Isolates and Heavy Metal Traces from Rodent Meat Purchased from Roadside Markets, Central Thailand.

Although game meat consumption is widespread across the globe, involving a great diversity of species in very different ecological and sociocultural environments, the safety of wild meat products is rarely assessed routinely. We conducted a survey to evaluate the safety of two rodents products (Rattus tanezumi and Bandicota indica) purchased from roadside markets in central Thailand. Total aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli counts measured were above Thai poultry product standards for 83.3% and 100% of the samples, respectively (n = 108), although there was no difference between rat species (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p > 0.05). Salmonella spp. were isolated from 32% of the swabs collected (67/208), including 19 different serovars. All strains were resistant or partially resistant to at least 2 of the 16 antibiotics tested, with levels of resistance varying greatly among antibiotics (e.g., 97% of strains sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 98.5% of strains resistant to cloxacillin). Detectable traces of Cd and Pb were found in 98% and 46% of the samples analyzed, respectively (n = 61). Pb and Cd concentrations measured in the kidneys of R. tanezumi were significantly higher than in the liver and muscles and significantly higher than B. indica muscles and kidneys but not liver (ANOVA, p < 0.05). These results highlight potential health hazards that may be associated with rodent-meat consumption, including contamination by coliform bacteria, multiresistant Salmonella spp. strains, and heavy metals. The significance of these results for public health cannot be determined precisely in the absence of appropriate standards, and information gaps remain regarding the frequency of rodent-meat consumption and the origin of bacterial and heavy metal contaminations (i.e., capture environment or during carcass handling and processing). We suggest that appropriate information and training on best hygienic practices for preparing, cooking, and preserving rodent meat should be provided to the producers and to the consumers.

Inclusion of Animal Ethics into the Consumer Value-Attitude System Using the Example of Game Meat Consumption

In recent decades, the demand for ethically acceptable treatment of animals – especially in case of livestock animals – has increased significantly in western societies and can thus have a significant impact on the consumption of animal products. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the influence and the mode of action of animal-ethical values. In consumer research, the consumer value-attitude system consisting of global values, domain-specific values and attitudes is essential in many studies. However, there have been no attempts so far to operationalise domain-specific values in the context of human-animal relationship empirically. This means that an essential component for the analysis of animal product consumption behaviour is missing. Therefore, the present study includes animal ethics into the consumer value-attitude system as domain-specific values. The aim is, to analyse the influence of animal-ethical values on consumer behaviour concerning animal products. As a concrete example, the consumption of game meat is chosen in this study, because the consumption of game meat is often judged in a contradictory way in terms of animal welfare. This offers the possibility to cover the entire spectrum of societal animal-ethical values. The study is based on a virtually representative online survey with 523 German participants. A structural equation model is used for analysis. It was found, that animal ethics can be perfectly integrated into the value system as domain-specific values. Furthermore, the results show that especially the two extreme positions in animal ethics, original anthropocentrism and abolitionism, have a significant influence on consumer behaviour – in this case on the consumption of game meat. Overall, this first study on domain-specific values in the context of human-animal relationship contributes to a deeper understanding of which animal-ethical values affect the behaviour of consumers. This is of great importance for marketing and consumer theory concerning animal products.

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.

Results of the first national human biomonitoring in Slovenia: Trace elements in men and lactating women, predictors of exposure and reference values.

The first national human biomonitoring in Slovenia surveyed cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in a childbearing population (18-49 years) selected from lactating primiparous women and men (N = 1084). The overall aim was to estimate trace elements' levels and geographical variations in order to identify sources of possible exposures and set the national reference values. The study population was selected evenly from 12 study areas across Slovenia, including rural, urban and known or potentially contaminated environments. Within 6-8 weeks after delivery, venous blood, spot urine, scalp hair and breast milk samples were collected to determine the selected elements. The data analysis included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression using elemental concentrations in biological matrices, questionnaire data and environmental datasets. Essential elements showed no significant deficiencies or excessive levels in the study population and were largely determined by sex and/or the participating women's physiological status (postpartum, lactation), as well as by certain dietary sources. Toxic elements' levels were mainly below the levels considered to present increased health risk. Lifestyle and nutritional habits appeared as significant determinants of exposure to Cd (smoking and game meat consumption), Hg (seafood and amalgam fillings), As (seafood) and Pb (alcohol consumption, smoking, game meat consumption and type of water supply). A distinctive geographical pattern was confirmed, due to past mining activities combined with naturally elevated background levels in the cases of Pb (Mežica Valley), Hg (Idrija and Posočje) and As exposure (Zasavje). Increased seafood consumption in the coastal study area contributed to higher Hg and As (arsenobetaine) levels. Extensive sample size database accompanied with life-style and environmental data improved the prediction of exposure patterns, set the reference values for the childbearing population living in Slovenia, and provided a strong basis for evaluating spatial and temporal trends in exposure. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to establish reference values for lactating primiparous women.

Risk Assessment of Lead Exposure from Cervid Meat in Norwegian Consumers and in Hunting Dogs

Risk Assessment of Lead Exposure from Cervid Meat in Norwegian Consumers and in Hunting Dogs

Incidence of hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in a high endemic area of Central Italy.

In Europe, autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is mainly a foodborne zoonosis, but it is also transmitted by blood transfusion. Despite the numerous prevalence surveys, only a few studies have investigated HEV incidence. We aimed to determine HEV incidence and risk factors among blood donors in a hyperendemic area in Central Italy. Of 296 blood donors who had tested HEV negative in two previous seroprevalence surveys in L'Aquila, 198 agreed to undergo at least another blood sampling for estimating HEV incidence nearly 2years after the prevalence surveys. Ten newly acquired infections were detected, yielding an overall incidence of 2.1/100 person-years (95%CI: 1.0-3.9), with an estimated participant's cumulative probability of becoming HEV infected of 6.5% (95%CI: 3.5-12.0) at 4years after enrolment. Seven newly infected blood donors were IgG positive only, two were IgM positive (one also IgG positive) and one was HEV RNA positive only, harbouring subtype 3c. Incident infection was most strongly associated with eating game meat, raw-dried pork liver sausage and raw-dried wild boar sausage. None of these exposures was statistically significant, even if eating raw-dried wild boar sausage approached significance (P=0.06). The HEV incidence we found was considerable compared with other similar studies. The nearly significant association of incident infection with wild boar and other game meat consumption was in agreement with the 3c subtype isolation in the viremic donor. However, beyond eating habits, also other exposure sources are likely important in hyperendemic areas, where incidence and risk exposure studies need to be undertaken for effectively preventing HEV transmission.

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.

Game meat consumption by hunters and their relatives: a probabilistic approach

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to estimate the consumption of meat and products derived from hunting by the consumer population and, specifically, by hunters and their relatives. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on the frequency of consuming meat from the four most representative game species in Spain, two of big game, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), and two of small game, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and red partridge (Alectoris rufa), as well as of processed meat products (salami-type sausage) made from those big game species. The survey was carried out on 337 habitual consumers of these types of products (hunters and their relatives). The total mean game meat consumption, per capita in this population group, is 6.87 kg/person/year of meat and 8.57 kg/person/year if the processed meat products are also considered. Consumption of rabbit, red partridge, red deer and wild boar, individually, was 1.85, 0.82, 2.28 and 1.92 kg/person/year, respectively. It was observed that hunters generally registered a larger intake of game meat, this being statistically significant in the case of rabbit meat consumption. Using probabilistic methods, the meat consumption frequency distributions for each hunting species studied were estimated, as well as the products made from big game species and the total consumption both of meat by itself and that including the products made from it. The consumption frequency distributions were adjusted to exponential ones, verified by the test suitable for it according to Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), the Chi-squared and Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics. In addition, the consumption percentiles of the different distributions were obtained. The latter could be a good tool when making nutrition or contaminant studies since they permit the assessment of exposure to the compound in question.

Occurrence of selected zoonotic food-borne parasites and first molecular identification of Alaria alata in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Italy.

Wild boar is a source of human infections with zoonotic pathogens, including food-borne parasites. With the aim of a characterization of the human exposure risk, a survey on wild boars intended for human consumption was planned, selecting three pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, Alaria alata, and Trichinella spp., as markers of meat infection. Diaphragm muscle samples from 100 wild boars hunted in Piedmont region (Northern Italy) in two hunting seasons (2015-2016) were collected. Concerning T. gondii, a combined approach of antibody detection and molecular techniques with genotyping was performed. For the detection of A. alata and Trichinella spp., the larva migration technique and the magnetic stirrer method were employed, respectively; in addition, molecular confirmation of the morphological identification of the recovered specimen was performed. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in meat juice samples (43.3%) and T. gondii DNA (type II) was detected in three animals (7.1%) out of 42 seropositive examined. In none of the sampled wild boars (0%), Trichinella spp. larvae were found, whereas one animal (1%) scored positive to A. alata mesocercariae. The molecular diagnosis proved the morphological identification of the trematode. This is the first finding of A. alata in Italian wild boar population. The present study confirmed the role of wild boars as a source of parasitic zoonotic diseases and thus the risk derived for humans posed by the consumption of game meat. Considering the zoonotic implications, the results underline the importance of monitoring and surveillance of zoonotic parasites in Italian wild boar populations.

Complete Genome Sequences of 10 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Isolates Recovered from Wild Boars in Germany.

ABSTRACTWe report here the draft genome sequences of 10 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis isolates recovered from tonsils of wild boars hunted between 2015 and 2016 in Germany. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed to assess the diversity of Y. pseudotuberculosis, which may result in human infections caused by the consumption of game meat.