The following information concerning bushmeat and Ebola transmission was published by the CDC yesterday in a flyer:

  • Image/Rosendahl
    Image/Rosendahl

    Bushmeat

  • The term “bushmeat” refers to meat that comes from wild animals captured in developing regions of the world such as Africa.
  • Bushmeat comes from a variety of wild animals, including bats, nonhuman primates (e.g., monkeys), cane rats (grasscutters), and duiker (antelope).
  • It is often smoked, dried, or salted and considered a treat to some, a main food source to others

 

  • Bringing Bushmeat into the United States
  • It is illegal to bring bushmeat into the United States.
  • Bushmeat, in any amount, found at US ports of entry will be destroyed along with any personal items that may have come in contact with the bushmeat.
  • There is a $250,000 fine for bringing bushmeat into the US.

 

  • Ebola
  • Ebola is a rare and deadly disease that is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or died from Ebola.
  • Generally, Ebola is not spread by food; however, in Africa human infections have been associated with
    hunting, butchering, and processing meat from infected animals.
  • To date, there have been no reports of human sickness in the United States from preparing or consuming bushmeat illegally brought into the United States.

 

  • Bushmeat Health Concerns
  • Bushmeat could be infected with germs that can cause sickness in people, including the Ebola virus.
  • Ebola is not generally spread through food, but the hunting, butchering, and processing of bushmeat brings people into contact with blood and other fluids of a potentially infected animal.
  • Ebola infections in people have been associated with handling and eating infected animals.

 

  • Take Action
  • Do not bring bushmeat into the United States.
  • Do not eat or handle bushmeat.
  • Tell friends and family to avoid African bushmeat because it is illegal to bring it into the United States and it can make people sick.
  • If you must handle bushmeat, wear disposable gloves. When you remove your gloves, wash your hands
    frequently with soap and water.
  • If you choose to eat bushmeat, make sure it is cooked thoroughly.