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Žele Vengušt D, Krt B, Blagus R, Vengušt G, Bandelj P. Seroprevalence of infectious pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance in wild ruminants from Slovenia. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1415304. [PMID: 38915887 PMCID: PMC11194780 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1415304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wildlife represents an increasingly important source of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Surveillance in wildlife offers an insight on current epidemiological status of selected pathogens and help to prevent spillovers to humans and livestock. Material and methods Our study included 312 wild ruminants belonging to five species: Roe deer (n = 134), red deer (n = 113), Alpine chamois (n = 53), European mouflon (n = 10) and Alpine ibex (n = 2). Seven pathogens that may have profound effect on human/livestock health and economic viability of the farms were tested using serological methods. Results Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Chlamydophila abortus, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and Mycobacterium bovis were detected in 34.62% (108/312), 0.96% (3/312), 2.24% (7/312), 0, 0.96% (3/312), 0, 0.64% (2/312) of animals tested, respectively. Because of low prevalences, risk factors were assessed only for T. gondii. Sex (female>male) and species (roe deer>red deer, roe deer>Alpine chamois) were significantly associated with the T. gondii positive outcome, while age was not. Discussion Adult males had the lowest T. gondii prevalence which offers future research opportunities. The lower seroprevalence of most investigated pathogens suggests game meat, if properly cooked, as being relatively safe for human consumption. This is the first study investigating the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected pathogens in wild ruminants in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Žele Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brane Krt
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Blagus
- Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Bandelj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Floris I, Vannuccini A, Ligotti C, Musolino N, Romano A, Viani A, Bianchi DM, Robetto S, Decastelli L. Detection and Characterization of Zoonotic Pathogens in Game Meat Hunted in Northwestern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:562. [PMID: 38396530 PMCID: PMC10886018 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Wildlife can represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens and a public health problem. In the present study, we investigated the spread of zoonotic pathogens (Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and hepatitis E virus (HEV)) considering the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in game meat from animals hunted in northwest Italy. During two hunting seasons (2020 to 2022), samples of liver and/or muscle tissue were collected from chamois (n = 48), roe deer (n = 26), deer (n = 39), and wild boar (n = 35). Conventional microbiology and biomolecular methods were used for the detection, isolation, and characterization of the investigated pathogens. Two L. monocytogenes serotype IIa strains were isolated from wild boar liver; both presented fosfomycin resistance gene and a total of 22 virulence genes were detected and specified in the text. Eight Y. enterocolitica biotype 1A strains were isolated from chamois (2), wild boar (5), and deer (1) liver samples; all showed streptogramin and beta-lactam resistance genes; the virulence genes found were myfA (8/8 strains), ymoA (8/8), invA (8/8), ystB (8/8), and ail (4/8). Our data underscore the potential role of wildlife as a carrier of zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in northwest Italy and a food safety risk for game meat consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Floris
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Andrea Vannuccini
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
- Posto di Controllo Frontaliero (PCF), Ponte Caracciolo MONTITAL, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmela Ligotti
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Noemi Musolino
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Angelo Romano
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Annalisa Viani
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), SC Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy; (A.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Daniela Manila Bianchi
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Serena Robetto
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), SC Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy; (A.V.); (S.R.)
- SS Patologie della Fauna Selvatica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy
| | - Lucia Decastelli
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
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Nkosi DV, Bekker JL, Hoffman LC. Basic Hazard Control Plan for Small Wild Ungulates Slaughtered for Meat Production. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071511. [PMID: 37048332 PMCID: PMC10094352 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal slaughter plans and related activities must not increase the number of hazards in meat. In their nature, these processes must reduce possible hazards to minimum or acceptable levels. This is a generally accepted concept worldwide; hence, authorities continue to develop regulations that seek to mitigate the scourge of meat hazards for consumer protection. The situation is similar with small wild ungulate meat, in which a hazard analysis plan needs developing to improve meat safety. This investigation follows a narrative review of articles published for a PhD program and other scholarly articles supporting the concept of a basic slaughter plan for small wild ungulate animals in South Africa. The findings of this investigation highlight the need to control hazards within one health concept plan, which should be implemented and propagated by establishing forums that will drive meat safety solutions in these communities. There should be a basic hygiene slaughter plan developed and endorsed by all members of the forum. The outcome must be the control of microbiological, chemical and physical hazards from farm-to-fork, and as part of a system imbedded in game meat policies and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davies Veli Nkosi
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa
| | - Johan Leon Bekker
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa
| | - Louwrens Christiaan Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Digital Agricultural Building 8115, Office 110, Gatton 4343, Australia
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Sauvala M, Johansson P, Björkroth J, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M. Microbiological quality and safety of vacuum-packaged white-tailed deer meat stored at 4 °C. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 390:110110. [PMID: 36796163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Vacuum packaging is widely used for extending the shelf life of commercial fresh meat products. It also ensures product hygiene during distribution and storage. However, very little information exists concerning the effects of vacuum packaging on the shelf life of deer meat. One of our aims was to evaluate how storage under vacuum at 4 °C affects the microbial quality and safety of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) meat cuts. This was assessed in a longitudinal study based on sensory analyses and measurements of (1) mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), (2) lactic acid bacteria (LAB), (3) enterobacteria (EB), (4) and Escherichia coli (EC) counts, and the presence of foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, stx-harbouring E. coli (STEC), Yersinia and Listeria). Microbiomes were additionally investigated by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at the time of spoilage. In total, 50 vacuum-packaged meat cuts from the carcasses of 10 wild white-tailed deer harvested in southern Finland in December 2018 were analysed. A significant (p < 0.001) drop in the odour and appearance scores and a significant increase in MAB (p < 0.001) and LAB (p = 0.001) counts of the vacuum-packaged meat cuts were observed after 3 weeks of storage at 4 °C. A very strong correlation (rs = 0.9444, p < 0.001) between the MAB and LAB counts were found during the 5-week sampling period. Clear spoilage changes, manifested as sour off-odours (odour scores ≤2) and pale colour, were detected in the meat cuts spoilt after 3-week storage. High (≥8 log10 cfu/g) MAB and LAB counts were also detected. According to the 16S rRNA gene amplicon analyses, Lactobacillus was the dominant bacterial genus in these samples, demonstrating that LAB can cause rapid spoilage of vacuum-packaged deer meat cuts stored at 4 °C. The rest of the samples were spoilt after four or five weeks of storage, and a vast number of bacterial genera were identified in them. Listeria and STEC were detected by PCR in 50 % and 18 % of the meat cut samples, respectively, which may indicate a public health problem. Our results demonstrate that it is very challenging to ensure the quality and safety of vacuum-packaged deer meat stored at 4 °C, and freezing is therefore recommended to prolong the shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela Sauvala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Per Johansson
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Björkroth
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Abrantes AC, Ferreira MP, Ruano Z, Vinhas B, Vaz Y, Vieira-Pinto M. Hygiene and biosecurity conditions of initial examination on-spot in Portugal: One step toward game meat safety. Vet World 2023; 16:882-887. [PMID: 37235150 PMCID: PMC10206970 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.882-887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Due to the particularities of the first steps of the game food chain, large game species are shot, bled, and handled in collection points (spot of evisceration and initial examination in the field). These steps of the game meat chain affect the microbiological quality of this type of meat, thus posing a risk to consumers. This study aimed to characterize the collection points in terms of central hygiene and biosecurity procedures/requirements. Materials and Methods One survey with 16 questions was applied in 95 hunting areas throughout Portugal. It was a convenience sample obtained by direct visualization on-spot procedures. Four categories were characterized in the survey: Initial examination (performance assiduity and type of operator performing it), hygiene requirements on-spot (floor, ceiling, water, and electricity), biosecurity procedures such on initial examination (use of personal protective equipment as gloves, glasses, mask, and specific clothes), and by-products disposal (destination and packaging of by-products). Results Sixty percentage (n = 57) eviscerated the carcasses and performed the initial examination on-spot. Moreover, most of the time (n = 71), the initial examination was carried out by veterinarians. However, the category that showed the best results was those related to the biosecurity procedures on initial examination, mainly with the use of the individual protective material (e.g., regular use of disposal clothes and specific clothes). Concerning the questions about the disposal of by-products, 66 game managers say that this was done correctly (69%), being the majority destination of the inspected carcasses was the burial (64%; n = 47). Conclusion This survey demonstrates an immediate need in all this problematic of the standardization of hygiene and biosecurity requirements of the collection points, which requires uniform application of rules. There is a lot of resistance and limitations to the inclusion of these requirements in collection points, due to lack of structural and financial conditions. However, training all those involved in the hunting area (hunters, game managers, authorities, etc.) creating rules that promote hunting food security and setting limits on the microbiological criteria of game meat are hot points to consider in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zita Ruano
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Vinhas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Yolanda Vaz
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Madalena Vieira-Pinto
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
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Ciobanu MM, Manoliu DR, Ciobotaru MC, Anchidin BG, Matei M, Munteanu M, Frunză G, Murariu OC, Flocea EI, Boișteanu PC. The Influence of Sensory Characteristics of Game Meat on Consumer Neuroperception: A Narrative Review. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061341. [PMID: 36981266 PMCID: PMC10048761 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Game meat contains bioactive compounds that directly influence the formation of a rich reservoir of flavor precursors that produce specific sensory properties. Quality is considered one of the most influential determinants of consumer behavior, but the interpretation of this concept differs between consumers. Although recognized for its quality, its unique sensory characteristics (smell, taste, aroma) may have a major impact on consumer perception. The aim of this review is to describe the consumer behavior regarding game meat through elements of neuroperception, using methods of analysis, observation, and interpretation of scientific information from the literature. Following the analysis of published papers on this topic, it was shown that external factors influencing the biological basis of behavior could provide explanations for the acceptance or rejection of this type of meat and solutions. Neuroperception can explain the mechanism behind consumer decision-making. The influence of extrinsic factors (environment, mood, emotions, stress) shapes the perception of the quality attributes of game meat, the unique sensory characteristics of game meat passing through a primary filter of sensory receptors (eyes, nose, tongue, etc). Game meat is darker and tougher (compared to meat from domestic animals), and the taste and smell have the power to trigger memories and change the mood, influencing consumer behavior. Understanding consumer attitudes towards game meat in relation to quality attributes and the physiology of sensory perception can provide important insights for food industry professionals, processors, sensory evaluators, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius-Mihai Ciobanu
- Faculty of Agriculture, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 3, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Diana-Remina Manoliu
- Faculty of Animal and Food Resources Engineering, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai-Cătălin Ciobotaru
- Faculty of Agriculture, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 3, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bianca-Georgiana Anchidin
- Faculty of Animal and Food Resources Engineering, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mădălina Matei
- Faculty of Animal and Food Resources Engineering, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mugurel Munteanu
- Faculty of Animal and Food Resources Engineering, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Frunză
- Faculty of Agriculture, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 3, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Otilia Cristina Murariu
- Faculty of Agriculture, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 3, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena-Iuliana Flocea
- Faculty of Agriculture, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 3, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Paul-Corneliu Boișteanu
- Faculty of Animal and Food Resources Engineering, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, M. Sadoveanu Alley, No. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania
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Risk Practices for Occupational Zoonotic Exposure to Tuberculosis in a High-Risk Population in Portugal. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030167. [PMID: 36977168 PMCID: PMC10051836 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerning large game in Portugal, there is an epidemiological risk area for tuberculosis where the pressure of tuberculosis infection in wild animals is high. Hunters and other people involved in managing carcasses (evisceration and/or initial examination) of these animals should be considered as a high-risk population for sporadic occupational zoonotic infection. This study aims to evaluate and indicate these stakeholders’ main risk practices. The survey was carried out in two phases: a first phase with an anonymous survey to hunters about self-consumption of game meat and carcass handling practices, and a second phase of evaluation in loco of the practices carried out at collection points after driven hunts. As the main results suggested in this study, bad practices and improper handling of hunted carcasses potentially infected with tuberculosis were marked in both phases of the survey, mostly related to the lack of recognition of tuberculosis-like lesions and the non-use of individual protection material, such as gloves and masks. It is evident that stakeholders are interested in learning more about how to perform initial examination properly and what kind of biosecurity measures can be adopted to minimize zoonotic infection risk.
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Ray R, Singh P. Prevalence and Implications of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Farm and Wild Ruminants. Pathogens 2022; 11:1332. [PMID: 36422584 PMCID: PMC9694250 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a food-borne pathogen that causes human gastrointestinal infections across the globe, leading to kidney failure or even death in severe cases. E. coli are commensal members of humans and animals' (cattle, bison, and pigs) guts, however, may acquire Shiga-toxin-encoded phages. This acquisition or colonization by STEC may lead to dysbiosis in the intestinal microbial community of the host. Wildlife and livestock animals can be asymptomatically colonized by STEC, leading to pathogen shedding and transmission. Furthermore, there has been a steady uptick in new STEC variants representing various serotypes. These, along with hybrids of other pathogenic E. coli (UPEC and ExPEC), are of serious concern, especially when they possess enhanced antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, etc. Recent studies have reported these in the livestock and food industry with minimal focus on wildlife. Disturbed natural habitats and changing climates are increasingly creating wildlife reservoirs of these pathogens, leading to a rise in zoonotic infections. Therefore, this review comprehensively surveyed studies on STEC prevalence in livestock and wildlife hosts. We further present important microbial and environmental factors contributing to STEC spread as well as infections. Finally, we delve into potential strategies for limiting STEC shedding and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
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van Vliet N, Muhindo J, Nyumu J, Enns C, Massé F, Bersaglio B, Cerutti P, Nasi R. Understanding Factors that Shape Exposure to Zoonotic and Food-Borne Diseases Across Wild Meat Trade Chains. HUMAN ECOLOGY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL 2022; 50:983-995. [PMID: 36408298 PMCID: PMC9644002 DOI: 10.1007/s10745-022-00361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The rise of zoonotic disease-related public health crises has sparked calls for policy action, including calls to close wildlife markets. Yet, these calls often reflect limited understanding of where, precisely, exposure to risk occurs along wildlife and wild meat trade chains. They also threaten to negatively impact food security and livelihoods. From a public health perspective, it is important to understand the practices that shape food safety all along the trade chain, resulting in meat that is either safe to eat or managed as a potential vector of pathogens. This article uses ethnographic methods to examine the steps that lead a wild animal from the forest to the plate of an urban consumer in Yangambi and Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Focusing on hunters, village-level consumers, transporters, market traders and urban consumers, we highlight specific practices that expose different actors involved in the trade chain to wild meat related health risks, including exposure to food borne illnesses from contaminated meat and zoonotic pathogens through direct contact with wild animals, and the local practices in place to reduce the same. We discuss interventions that could help prevent and mitigate zoonotic and food borne disease risks associated with wild meat trade chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie van Vliet
- Center for International Forestry Research/International Center for Research in Agro Forestry/International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Jonas Muhindo
- Centre for International Forestry Research (DRC office), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Jonas Nyumu
- Centre for International Forestry Research (DRC office), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Charis Enns
- Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Francis Massé
- Geography and Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Brock Bersaglio
- International Development Department, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paolo Cerutti
- Center for International Forestry Research/International Center for Research in Agro Forestry/International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Robert Nasi
- Center for International Forestry Research/International Center for Research in Agro Forestry/International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Bogor, Indonesia
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Silva CJ. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Cervids and the Consequences of a Mutable Protein Conformation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:12474-12492. [PMID: 35465121 PMCID: PMC9022204 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease of cervids (deer, elk, moose, etc.). It spreads readily from CWD-contaminated environments and among wild cervids. As of 2022, North American CWD has been found in 29 states, four Canadian provinces and South Korea. The Scandinavian form of CWD originated independently. Prions propagate their pathology by inducing a natively expressed prion protein (PrPC) to adopt the prion conformation (PrPSc). PrPC and PrPSc differ solely in their conformation. Like other prion diseases, transmissible CWD prions can arise spontaneously. The CWD prions can respond to selection pressures resulting in the emergence of new strain phenotypes. Annually, 11.5 million Americans hunt and harvest nearly 6 million deer, indicating that CWD is a potential threat to an important American food source. No tested CWD strain has been shown to be zoonotic. However, this may not be true for emerging strains. Should a zoonotic CWD strain emerge, it could adversely impact the hunting economy and game meat consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Silva
- Produce Safety & Microbiology
Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, California 94710, United States of America
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Czarniecka-Skubina E, Stasiak DM, Latoch A, Owczarek T, Hamulka J. Consumers' Perception and Preference for the Consumption of Wild Game Meat among Adults in Poland. Foods 2022; 11:foods11060830. [PMID: 35327252 PMCID: PMC8954458 DOI: 10.3390/foods11060830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild game meat can be a healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to meat from farm animals. The aims of this study were to know the preferences and opinions of Polish consumers regarding game meat and its use in their diet, and to identify consumer segments based on differences in individual game meat choices, concerns, and eating habits related to game meat. The survey was conducted using the platform for online surveys among 1261 adult Poles. Six clusters characterizing the behavior of game consumers were identified (casual consumers, occasional game gourmets, indifferent consumers, occasional consumers, accidental consumers, wild game lovers) and four clusters among those who do not eat game (uninterested, restricted, dislikers, fearful). It has been found that wild game is more often eaten by hunters and their family or friends. The most common reasons for not consuming game are high prices, low availability, no family tradition, and unacceptable taste. Many positive respondents eat game because of its nutritional value but are concerned about the potential health risks and lack of cooking skills. The results of this study indicate the need for information programs for consumers about this meat. They will provide guidance to meat companies about consumer preferences for game and allow them to develop appropriate marketing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina
- Department of Food Gastronomy and Food Hygiene, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 166 Nowoursynowska Str., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-5937063
| | - Dariusz M. Stasiak
- Department of Animal Food Technology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 8 Skromna Str., 20-708 Lublin, Poland; (D.M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Agnieszka Latoch
- Department of Animal Food Technology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 8 Skromna Str., 20-708 Lublin, Poland; (D.M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Tomasz Owczarek
- Department of Marketing and Quantitative Methods, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-87 Morska Str., 81-225 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Jadwiga Hamulka
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 166 Nowoursynowska Str., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
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Silva CJ, Erickson-Beltran M. Detecting Differences in Prion Protein Conformation by Quantifying Methionine Oxidation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:2649-2660. [PMID: 35097263 PMCID: PMC8793083 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A prion's pathogenic character is enciphered in its conformation, which also defines the chemical environments of its amino acids. Differences in chemical environments influence the reactivity of amino acid side chains, in a conformation-dependent manner. Chemical oxidation of susceptible methionines would identify those methionines on the surface of a prion, which would reveal conformation-dependent information. We identified a set of methionine-containing peptides derived from the tryptic, chymotryptic, or tryptic/chymotryptic digestion of recombinant prion protein and the Sc237 strain of hamster-adapted scrapie. We developed a multiple reaction monitoring-based method of quantifying the extent of the methionine oxidation in those peptides. This approach can be used to define a prion's conformation and to distinguish among prion strains, which is an important component of food safety.
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The Use of Organic Acids (Lactic and Acetic) as a Microbial Decontaminant during the Slaughter of Meat Animal Species: A Review. Foods 2021; 10:foods10102293. [PMID: 34681342 PMCID: PMC8534660 DOI: 10.3390/foods10102293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild ungulate species provide a much-needed protein source to many communities in developed and developing countries. Frequently, these game meat animals are slaughtered, and the meat is unknowingly contaminated by microorganisms and released to the unsuspecting public. This review investigates the global usage of organic acids (lactic and acetic acids) as microbial decontamination strategies during slaughter. The results show that there is a more open-minded approach to adopting possible decontamination plans as a tool to improve meat safety during slaughter. Developed countries continue to adopt these strategies, while developing countries are lagging behind. While decontamination of carcasses can lead to a reduction of microbial load on these carcasses, this strategy must not be seen as a replacement of hygiene management during the animals’ slaughter.
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Perception of the Health Threats Related to the Consumption of Wild Animal Meat-Is Eating Game Risky? Foods 2021; 10:foods10071544. [PMID: 34359415 PMCID: PMC8303633 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumer interest in game meat has increased in recent years. Consumers appreciate its nutritional value but still have many concerns. Based on data from a quantitative study conducted in the group of 450 purposively selected Polish respondents declaring to consume the game meat, consumers were segmented concerning the perception of health risks associated with its consumption. Three separate clusters were identified using hierarchical cluster analysis: Indifferent (42%), Fearful (30%), and Selective (28%). The clusters differed significantly in the perception of the role of game in their lives and taking actions to mitigate the health risks associated with its consumption. In addition, their socioeconomic profiles were significantly different. The Indifferent segment-significantly more often than the other segments-believes that game has a positive impact on health, and the way to counteract the health risks is to not eat raw meat. The Selective segment attaches great importance to the choice of consumption place as a warranty of access to safe meat. The Fearful segment is willing to pay more for good quality meat and search for information. The results proved that the game consumers are not a homogenous group. Recognizing the differences can indicate a path for the traders to efficiently meet the consumers' expectations and needs.
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Industrial Halal hunted-game and feral animals' meat production. Meat Sci 2021; 181:108602. [PMID: 34175661 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hunted wild game meat (HGM) is growing in popularity and attracting a premium among consumers. This has led to the emergence of supply chains for industrially produced HGM in many countries. With the growing demand for Halal meat and the disposable income of its consumers around the globe, meat and game industries in countries rich in wild game and feral animals would be encouraged to consider supplying Halal hunted game meat (HHGM) to Halal consumers around the world. Meeting the Halal requirements for industrial HHGM is easy given the already existing supply chains for HGM in many producing countries. What is needed by the Game and Meat Industries in these countries to comply with the Halal requirements in terms of the hunted animal and the hunter, the hunt location, modes and methods, the handling and processing of hunted carcases and the hunted animal welfare and sustainability in the industrial production of HHGM, is the subject of this review.
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