Search

Simple Summary: Hunters who dress and eviscerate carcasses for self-consumption have no access to hygienic conditions like those present in modern slaughterhouse facilities. Together with the behaviour of self-consumption without previous initial examination or inspection of the hunted wild boar's carcasses after each driven hunt, some poor evisceration, handling, and hygiene practices occur. Bad practices such as too long a time between shooting, evisceration, and cooling; wrong handling methods of the carcasses when faecal contamination is observed; and not using proper equipment are common among Portuguese hunters. These are risky practices that lead to food insecurity and the acquisition of foodborne diseases from this self-consumption of wild boar meat. Added to all this is the fact that hunters do not recognise lesions compatible with zoonotic infections when eviscerating and handling the carcasses. There is a lack of information and training on this issue. It is necessary to join efforts (hunters' associations, scientific community, and public health authorities) and develop strategies to increase the knowledge of best practices among this population at risk. The microbiological contamination of wild boar meat depends on the hygiene practices that hunters apply during its preparation, from the point of collection to its refrigeration. This study assesses Portuguese hunters' knowledge of hygiene practices when handling wild boar carcasses that can jeopardise meat safety. A general structured survey entitled "Private consumption of game meat and good hygiene practices" was distributed to Portuguese hunters. Of the 206 respondents, 95% use wild boar meat for private consumption without prior inspection or initial examination by a veterinarian. This study also revealed that the vast majority of respondents have several risky practices that can compromise the safety of wild boar meat consumed (evisceration, handling, refrigeration, and transport). It is also evident that there is a lack of knowledge related to recognising lesions compatible with zoonotic infections in the hunted animals. These inappropriate knowledge and practices can pose a risk to hunters (occupational zoonotic health) and consumers (foodborne diseases). To reduce this risk, hunters need to be trained and informed about proper game meat handling practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thorough understanding of the inherent qualities of venison and the specialized techniques and methods for processing it, especially considering the difficulty of its preparation, is a prerequisite for the growth of the game meat processing industry as well as the manufacture of game meat products. The biological material used in this study is composed of hind carcasses that were collected from the 24 Frasin hunting area in Suceava. The carcasses were processed through the technological operations of cutting and deboning, followed by the selection of anatomical regions suitable for the production of traditional venison specialities. Following the practical implementation of the proposed processing operations, each anatomical region, as well as the auxiliary anatomical parts of the carcass, were evaluated proportionally; their weight was determined in relation to the total weight of the carcass. For the whole carcass, yields of 32.74% muscle tissue of specialities, 25.75% quality I and II meat, 13.3% bone and 10.59% connective tissue were found. The weight of the animal's gunshot wound represented 17.59% of the total carcass weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low consumption of game meat is directly related to the insufficient exploration of data on game meat processing and handling. Taking into account these considerations as well as the fact that in the practice of the meat processing industry methods and assessing game meat for processing have not yet been developed, the main aim of the paper is to highlight how this is done from a practical and applied point of view in the main game meat processing operations in terms of cutting, deboning, and selection of game meat for processing, associated with the determination of the carcass yields of the main sliced anatomical regions of the higher quality classes used to obtain traditional specialty products. To this end, following the primary processing of the game carcasses, the weighting of each anatomical portion will be assessed, both at the level of the region and of the carcass as a whole. The reasoning behind the processing of game meat into traditional specialties encompasses the complex features of the anatomical regions intended for the production of these products as well as the species of origin. For these reasons, the present study will concentrate on the cutting and deboning capacity of wild boar meat in accordance with the methods of processing the anatomical regions of the higher quality classes of their carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research describes a study of homemade meat products of wild boar shot with lead ammunition. Initially, X-ray radiography of the entire batch of sausages was performed to ascertainment the presence of larger lead fragments. Afterward, visibly uncontaminated parts of sausages were examined using 3D scanning microtomography and the presence of lead microscopic particles was found. The results of quantitative analysis reported a high mean lead concentration than the maximum permitted levels according to EU Regulation 1881/2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the possible impact of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among the Cervidae or cervid family on the Florida deer market and the Florida CWD regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised against eating CWD-infected animals to avoid human infection. It explains the importance of the deer economy in the country. It mentions the focus of the CWD regulations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC ) on carcasses and live cervids.

Bushmeat consumption remains significant in urban Central Africa. Increasing urbanization has fueled bushmeat trade and become a threat to endangered species like the pangolin. Behavioral change interventions may help reduce demand for pangolins in urban centers. However, there is still a lack of adequate locally‐specific research on consumer behavior and drivers of demand to effectively guide such interventions. Our study addressed this knowledge gap through semistructured interviews to investigate consumer preferences and bushmeat consumption habits and perceptions of 597 participants in Bertoua and Ebolowa, Cameroon. Bushmeat, in general, was positively perceived as a tasty, healthy, and luxurious item that meets cultural needs, while domestic meat was negatively perceived as an unhealthy and intensively processed product. The biggest barriers to bushmeat consumption were its illegality and high price. Pangolin was among the most desired types of bushmeat. Nearly half of pangolin consumers were willing to pay more for a pangolin meal. Despite being fully protected by national laws, pangolins were consistently found in local bushmeat markets and restaurants, suggesting the ineffectiveness in law enforcement and/or communication with the public about the legal protection and current status of pangolins. Our findings provide an understanding of sociocultural consumer behavior and drivers that can help guide bushmeat demand reduction interventions in urban centers of Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging foodborne pathogens present a threat to public health. It is now recognized that several foodborne pathogens originate from wildlife as demonstrated by recent global disease outbreaks. Zoonotic spillover events are closely related to the ubiquity of parasitic, bacterial, and viral pathogens present within human and animal populations and their surrounding environment. Foodborne diseases have economic and international trade impacts, incentivizing effective wildlife disease management. In North America, there are no food safety standards for handling and consumption of free-ranging game meat. Game meat consumption continues to rise in North America; however, this growing practice could place recreational hunters and game meat consumers at increased risk of foodborne diseases. Recreational hunters should follow effective game meat food hygiene practices from harvest to storage and consumption. Here, we provide a synthesis review that evaluates the ecological and epidemiological drivers of foodborne disease risk in North American hunter populations that are associated with the harvest and consumption of terrestrial mammal game meat. We anticipate this work could serve as a foundation of preventive measures that mitigate foodborne disease transmission between free-ranging mammalian and human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study of the "This is Not A Game" campaign in Zambia, which is aimed at influencing the demand for bushmeat. Bushmeat is essential nourishment for many people, so preventing its consumption can be difficult, even with the expressed goal of wildlife conservation. A content analysis of the messaging strategies used in this specific campaign reveals the implementation and effectiveness of various psychological appeals, message themes, and calls to action in creating online awareness and discouraging illegal bushmeat consumption. The data shows that fear appeals, particularly when conveyed in messaging related to human health and legal consequences, were among the most used and most engaging strategies in the campaign. The results of this study can be used to demonstrate the role that marketing could play in informing other approaches to stop crimes against wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the government of Botswana ended its five-year prohibition of commercial safari hunting, comparatively little attention was directed at the policy reversal's effect on communities that had engaged in non-commercial and subsistence hunting prior to the moratorium. The ban, in force from 2014 until 2019, fundamentally upended and criminalised the game-meat culture and economic systems common to many San groups, especially in the western Kalahari region. Despite substantial policy divergences between the incumbent president and his predecessor, the post-ban institutional framework offers much of the same for communities that articulate a preference, largely ignored by policy makers, for game-meat consumption. This speaks to an elite consensus with regard to conceptions of development and natural resource use. San people frequently differentiate themselves from mainstream society on the grounds of their contrasting meat-consumption cultures and draw a comparison with dominant Tswana cultural and economic norms associated with cattle production. The Botswana state's development and conservation efforts to end non-commercial hunting and promote cattle farming are interpreted by San communities as policies of forced assimilation into mainstream Tswana culture and society. Cattle production and beef consumption are promoted as a development approach that is rendered 'modern' in contrast to supposedly 'primitive' hunting practices. Nevertheless, top-down policies that facilitate the continued abolition of subsistence hunting are justified along ecological and conservation lines without fully engaging with localised environmental and social effects of a widespread transition away from game meat and towards cattle production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat posed to protected areas by the illegal killing of wildlife is countered principally by ranger patrols that aim to detect and deter potential offenders. Deterring poaching is a fundamental conservation objective, but its achievement is difficult to identify, especially when the prime source of information comes in the form of the patrols' own records, which inevitably contain biases. The most common metric of deterrence is a plot of illegal activities detected per unit of patrol effort (CPUE) against patrol effort (CPUE‐E). We devised a simple, mechanistic model of law breaking and law enforcement in which we simulated deterrence alongside exogenous changes in the frequency of offences under different temporal patterns of enforcement effort. The CPUE‐E plots were not reliable indicators of deterrence. However, plots of change in CPUE over change in effort (ΔCPUE‐ΔE) reliably identified deterrence, regardless of the temporal distribution of effort or any exogenous change in illegal activity levels as long as the time lag between patrol effort and subsequent behavioral change among offenders was approximately known. The ΔCPUE‐ΔE plots offered a robust, simple metric for monitoring patrol effectiveness; were no more conceptually complicated than the basic CPUE‐E plots; and required no specialist knowledge or software to produce. Our findings demonstrate the need to account for temporal autocorrelation in patrol data and to consider appropriate (and poaching‐activity‐specific) intervals for aggregation. They also reveal important gaps in understanding of deterrence in this context, especially the mechanisms by which it occurs. In practical applications, we recommend the use of ΔCPUE‐ΔE plots in preference to other basic metrics and advise that deterrence should be suspected only if there is a clear negative slope. Distinct types of illegal activity should not be grouped together for analysis, especially if the signs of their occurrence have different persistence times in the environment. Article impact statement: Deterrent effects of conservation law enforcement may be robustly assessed by applying relatively simple metrics to ranger patrol data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of bushmeat, a staple food of people living in the vicinity of protected areas, is a challenge for the conservation of wildlife. The underlying factors driving this consumption are, however, relatively understudied, particularly among rural households, and improved understanding would facilitate the development of conservation strategies. We therefore aimed to identify the factors that influence bushmeat consumption in rural households to the west of Taï National Park, in Côte d'Ivoire. We carried out enquiries in a total of 144 rural households in 20 localities during July–December 2012. Bushmeat, the majority of which comprised rodents and bovids, accounted for 13% of the animal protein consumed in these households. This consumption was significantly higher in households in which poverty was more acute (low annual income and more dependent children). We found that repeated awareness campaigns involving theatre performances and/or film screenings (multimedia campaigns) contributed to a decrease in bushmeat consumption. This decrease exceeded 62% after exposure to four multimedia campaigns. We highlight the importance of awareness campaigns for reducing consumption of wild animals, and demonstrate the importance of recurring multimedia campaigns to maximize the impact of such conservation activities in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to characterize the illegal bushmeat hunting and trade in Floriano region (Piauí State), an import road hub between Amazon and Northeast regions of Brazil. This is the first study that assesses bushmeat hunting in Mid North of Northeast Brazil. Our main hypothesis is that hunting has completely changed from a purely subsistence scenario to another under multiple demands and with the incorporation of technological resources. We collected data from August 2015 to July 2016 throughout semi-structured questionnaires with 82 hunters and rapid survey at markets. Our study revealed that 14 wild vertebrates are usually hunted in studied areas as source of meat and zootherapeutics. Hunting for subsistence was the main purpose reported by interviewees, nonetheless we detected that virtually all hunters sell wild meat and zootherapeutic products. We found that local hunting is mainly as a nocturnal activity. Our results show that bushmeat hunting and trade are facilitated by modern technologies and these activities turned into a black way supported by very diverse purposes besides subsistence. We suggest more comprehensive conservation strategies, including alternatives to supply urban demand for game meat, environmental education to mitigate involvement in hunting and improved intelligence efforts by environmental agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Measuring hunting sustainability across West/Central African forests remains a challenge. Long-term assessment of trends is crucial. Via hunter-reported surveys we collected offtake data in three villages near the Dja Biosphere Reserve (southeast Cameroon). During four months (March–June) in 2003, 2009 and 2016, we gathered information on hunters, prey species and number of carcasses brought to the three settlements. Because it was not possible to record hunter effort i.e. the time a hunter spent pursuing animals or setting traps, to calculate catch per unit effort (CPUE), we used catch per hunter per day (CPHD) to document hunter returns. We then used the changes in the mean body mass indicator (MBMI) throughout the study period to test for defaunation in the three villages. Differences in CPHD and MBMI by month and year, between villages and hunting method, were investigated using Tweedie regression models. For all species pooled, we found that the mean CPHD remained relatively constant between 2003 and 2016. There was an observed shift from traps to firearms during the study period. CPHD for each of the seven most hunted species did not vary significantly during the entire study period, and a similar change from traps to firearms was observed. MBMI also remained stable for all species pooled, but significantly declined in the remotest village. Starting MBMI values for this village were higher than for the other two settlements perhaps because wildlife here is less depleted. Although hunter effort data may be difficult to obtain over long time periods, CPHD and MBMI may be useful tools as a measure of impact of hunters on prey populations. Highlights • Long-term monitoring of hunting offtake in tropical forests is fundamental to achieve sustainability. • Catch per hunter per day and mean body mass indicator of hunted prey can be used to document extraction patterns over time. • Notwithstanding some caveats, these measures can still be used as a good indication of changes in prey offtake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The meat of wild animals (bushmeat) is consumed extensively in many tropical regions. Over the past few decades bushmeat consumption has greatly increased, threatening the survival of some hunted species and the supply of animal protein to countless numbers of people. Understanding patterns of bushmeat consumption is thus vital to ensure the sustainable use of this resource. Although the economic drivers of bushmeat consumption have been well studied, non-wealth correlates have been poorly considered. Here, we analyse how variables such as age and gender may influence bushmeat consumption in four West African countries, within the Guinean forests (Togo and Nigeria) and Sahel (Burkina Faso and Niger). We interviewed a total of 2453 persons (1253 urban, 1200 in rural areas) to determine frequency of consumption of bushmeat as well as the main species eaten. We found significant differences in bushmeat consumption between rural and urban areas in all four countries. In particular, the proportion of persons not consuming any bushmeat was highest in urban areas. Gender differences in bushmeat consumption were not generally important but young people consistently avoided eating bushmeat, especially in Togo and Nigeria, and in urban areas. The complicated interplay between tradition and evolution of social systems (especially the trends towards westernization) may explain the different perceptions that people may have towards consuming bushmeat in the four studied countries. In addition, we found considerable variation in types of bushmeat eaten, with antelopes and large rodents eaten by the great majority of interviewees, but bats, monkeys, and snakes being avoided, especially in urban settlements. Highlights • Non-wealth correlates of bushmeat consumption are studied. • Four countries in West Africa are examined. • A dynamic human society is challenging rapidly the established patterns. • Bushmeat trade is not more the same as in the past. • Urban people and young generations are challenging the established rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the patterns of bushmeat trade in the Sahel we carried out a multidisciplinary study, focusing on Burkina Faso. We conducted baseline interview surveys to examine the variation in people's perceptions of bushmeat in relation to their place of residence (urban vs rural), sex and age. We also analysed the long-term (1985–2010) population dynamics of two ungulate species, the oribi Ourebia ourebi and the common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia , known to be among the main targets of the bushmeat trade locally. For the antelopes we chose as our study area a protected area (Nazinga Game Ranch) where poaching activities occur and are likely to represent a threat to the local wildlife. The results of the interviews underlined significant differences in bushmeat consumption between rural and urban areas. In particular, the probability of finding people who did not consume bushmeat increased in the urban area, where bushmeat is less available than in the rural areas. Sex and age did not have any effect on people's perceptions of bushmeat. In Burkina Faso bushmeat is still widely consumed, and this could be because the bushmeat trade is poorly controlled, with a lack of enforcement of the legislation. Long-term field surveys revealed that the oribi and the common duiker have declined significantly in Nazinga Game Ranch, suggesting that the bushmeat trade in Burkina Faso may have negative consequences in terms of the conservation outlook for these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Drying kinetics and changes in proximate composition, pH, salt content, water activity (a w) and lipid oxidation through processing of salami made using five different game meat species were evaluated and compared to pork. Eight batches of salami from each species were made and sampled for analysis throughout processing. Processing time was a significant factor on all measured attributes whilst species affected (P ≤.05) pH and moisture but not drying kinetics. Black wildebeest meat exhibited higher (P ≤.05) pH than pork and other game meat (6.30 vs 5.63–5.80), which translated to higher (P ≤.05) salami pH throughout and at the end of processing (5.77). Final pH of all other salami ranged from 5.01 to 5.28, a w ranged from 0.88 to 0.92. TBARS remained lower than 1 mg MDA equivalent/kg. The study suggests that salami from these game species, excluding black wildebeest, can be produced using the same processing parameters as conventional pork salami and obtaining similar physico-chemical attributes. Highlights • Salami produced from different game meat species was compared to a conventional pork based salami. • Results show minimal species differences; similar drying kinetics and physico-chemical attributes to a pork based salami. • Higher initial pH of black wildebeest meat effected differences in some physico-chemical attributes of the salami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aims to analyse consumer preferences for red deer meat (RDM) (Cervus elaphus) by conducting a case study in northern Italy. This analysis considers how the attitudes of consumers towards wild game meat and hunting might influence such preferences. This goal is achieved by combining the results of a k -means clustering analysis of the attitudes collected by means of two valuation scales with a discrete choice experiment (CE). According to our results, a positive attitude towards wild game meat has an effect on the willingness to pay (WTP) for RDM that is more than 3 times greater than being in favour of hunting. An analysis of the heterogeneity of consumer preferences allowed us to identify the presence of an important niche market for RDM served as carpaccio. Examining only the mean estimates for carpaccio without considering heterogeneity would lead to neglecting 18% of the sample with a positive willingness to pay for this attribute level. Highlights • We analysed consumer attitudes for wild game meat and hunting. • k -means clustering was used to categorize respondents according to their attitudes. • Consumer preferences were analysed with a choice experiment (CE). • Consumer attitudes were considered in the CE along with consumer choices. • A positive attitude for wild meat has a greater influence on WTP than that for hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent seizures of illegally held wildlife indicate a mounting global trade in pangolins involving all eight species. Seizures of illegally traded African pangolins are increasing as wild populations of Asian species decline. We investigated trade in pangolins and law enforcement efforts in Gabon; a country likely to have intact wild populations of three of the four species of African pangolin. We compared village sales and trade chains between 2002‐2003 and 2014. Hunters reported pangolins to be the most frequently requested species in 2014, and the value of pangolins had increased at every point along their trade chain. In Libreville, giant pangolin prices increased 211% and arboreal pangolin prices 73% whilst inflation rose only 4.6% over the same period. We documented a low rate of interception of illegally traded pangolins despite increased law enforcement. Surveys of potential export routes detected exports across forest borders, in conjunction with ivory, but not through public transport routes. We conclude that whilst there is clear potential and likelihood that a wild pangolin export trade is emerging from Gabon, traditional bushmeat trade chains may not be the primary supply route. We recommend adjusting conservation policies and actions to impede further development of illegal trade within and from Gabon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The trade and consumption of bushmeat are a major threat to biodiversity across the tropics. Conservationists have traditionally advocated for stricter regulation and enforcement as a way to control these practices, with less attention given to consumers and the management of the demand. Yet, it is clear that without adequately tackling demand, it is impossible to effectively curb the bushmeat trade. In this paper, we describe an intervention to reduce demand for bushmeat in northern Tanzania. The intervention was centered around the 1‐h radio show My Wildlife – My Community which included 15‐min episodes of the radio drama Temboni. Each episode of the radio drama was accompanied by a 45‐min interactive call‐in show featuring interviews with experts and local information about available community resources. We evaluated this intervention using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact framework based on longitudinal data from 168 respondents. To account for the fact that respondents volunteered to be exposed to the intervention, in this case the radio show, we used a matching algorithm together with regression to ensure that we could build a credible counterfactual group. Our analysis did not uncover any differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups, and thus no evidence of the intervention achieving its initial goals. One potential causal mechanism that could have led to this outcome is the low audience penetration rate. Fewer than 40% of respondents listened to the show and among those who did, only about 20% listened to five of more episodes. This research highlights the challenges of implementing and evaluating interventions delivered through mass media in developing countries, and the importance of reporting on interventions even when there is no evidence that they achieved their initial goals. Only through robust evaluation of behavior change interventions and the sharing of lessons learned can conservationists successfully tackle complex issues such as the bushmeat trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a red deer-specific real-time PCR assay which, combined with a reference real-time PCR assay published previously, allows the quantification of the red deer content in food products. Thus, it can be applied to detect food adulteration. The primer/probe system of the red deer-specific real-time PCR assay amplifies a 87 bp long fragment of the protein kinase C iota gene. To eliminate cross-reactivity with closely related species, the forward primer was designed to contain one deliberate base mismatch adjacent to one red deer-specific base. The red deer-specific real-time PCR assay did not show cross-reactivity with 23 animal and 50 plant species tested. LOD and LOQ, determined by analyzing a serially diluted DNA extract containing 1% (w/w) red deer DNA in pig DNA, were 0.05% and 0.4%, respectively. The accuracy was validated by analyzing DNA mixtures, meat extract mixtures, meat mixtures and model game sausages with known red deer content. The highest accuracy was obtained when the calibration mixture was similar to the analyzed sample in both the composition and concentration of the animal species of interest. High recoveries were not only obtained for raw samples but also after subjection to thermal treatment, including brewing (15 min at 75–78 °C), boiling (90 min at 100 °C) and microwave treatment (15 s, 40 s or 2 min at 650 W). The red deer-specific real-time PCR assay was found to be robust with respect to small deviations in the reaction volume or the annealing temperature and the use of another real-time PCR instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is regarded as one of today's major global health challenges. The development of ABR in nature is a complex phenomenon with many influencing factors, of which the farming industry is labelled a significant contributor. The transfer of ABR to humans, which usually occurs via the food chain, is of concern for human health. A food source that is increasing in popularity is game meat, which is farmed widely in South Africa. The natural environment, including wildlife, is not isolated from the rest of the farm, and thus could be a source of ABR or possibly a transfer vector. It is therefore important to assess the ABR situation in wildlife species and the factors that influence its emergence and transfer. Elements that play a part in the development of ABR in game species include certain harvesting and slaughtering and other farming practices and closer contact with humans and other farm animals. Additionally, natural transfer vectors include wind, water, manure, crops and animals. Worryingly, there is lack of knowledge of this situation owing to inadequate monitoring, documentation and control of antibiotics in the farming industry. The objective of this review was to gain better understanding of this situation, which would aid in the development of surveillance systems and methods to prevent or hinder the development of ABR in wildlife species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of researches was a rationale of possibility of the use of different methods of thermal processing in technology of the pickled ready-tocook foods from wild game meat and determination of its optimal regimes. Materials and methods. Technology of thermal processing of the pickled ready-to cook product, meat of wild boar, marinades, barbecue is investigated after use of the different methods of thermal processing. For determination of content of iron the sulfosalicylic method of determination of oxide of iron is used, and for determination of the content of zinc is used inverse voltamperometric method. The method of determination of infra-red spectrums with the help of device of "Infrapid" is used. Results. The food value of meat of wild animals was estimated by physical and chemical indexes. It is set that on physical and chemical indexes meat of wild animals doesn't yields to meat of agricultural animals – pork and beef, but prevail in content of albumen on 2,9–6,8%. It's proven on that amino acid composition of meat of wild wild boar does not yield to pork, and by such amino acids, as a valine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine and tryptophane considerably prevails it. Also it prevails pork by the total amount of irreplaceable and replaceable amino acids on 2,45 and 0,81 g/100 g of protein accordingly, and its albuminous quality index is higher on 0,35 g/100 g. The comparative estimation of influence of different methods of thermal treatment on the output of barbecue educed advantages of the use of steam convector and microwave owen compared with traditional frying and steaming. Decline of losses of content of moisture in the finished product on 23% after processing in steam convector serves as reason of increase of output of barbecue. Preparations of foods in steam convector were carried out due to the convection of hot air which was created by heating of electric tubular heaters or gas. Permanent circulation of hot air provided the even baking of foods in stoves and speed of their preparation. In steam convector sprayer system of moistening is set, that is why humidity of air was in a working chamber was regulated. Conclusions. The recomended technological mode for preparing of barbecue in steam converter is: t=220-260 °С, φ=15% for 9 minutes. Mineral composition of meat of wild boar surpass meat of pork by maintenance of some micro- and macronutrients. High maintenance of iron – 1500 mcg/100 g in meat of wild boar – is able to satisfy the 20% of daytime ration of man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increased societal focus on wildlife as food and recent policy deliberations regarding legal markets for wild-harvested meat are encouraging wildlife managers and researchers to examine the amount, use, and distribution of meat yielded through recreational hunting. We used responses to questions on the Michigan Deer Harvest Study to estimate the maximum yield of edible venison and assess hunters’ sharing behaviors. We estimated 11,402-14,473 metric tons of edible venison were procured during the 2013 hunting season. Of hunters who harvested a deer, 85% shared their venison. Hunters who shared did so with an average of 5.6 people (SD = 4.5). Sharing occurred most frequently within tight social networks: members of hunters’ households (69%), relatives (52%), and friends, neighbors, or coworkers (50%). In the absence of legal markets, venison is distributed widely by hunters and greatly amplifies the number of people benefiting from hunting. Nonetheless, we also identified the potential breadth of exposure to disease or contaminants from wild-harvested meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR assay for the identification and quantification of fallow deer ( Dama dama ) in food to detect food adulteration. Despite high sequence homology among different deer species, a fallow deer-specific primer/probe system targeting a fragment of the nuclear MC1-R gene was designed. This primer/probe system did not amplify DNA from 19 other animals and 50 edible plant species. Moderate cross-reactivity was observed for sika deer, red deer, roe deer, reindeer and wild boar. The LOD and LOQ of the real-time PCR assay were 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively. To validate the assay, DNA mixtures, meat extract mixtures, meat mixtures and model game sausages were analyzed. Satisfactory quantitative results were obtained when the calibration mixture was similar to the analyzed sample in both the composition and concentration of the animal species of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Consumption of game meat is growing when compared to other meats. It is susceptible to adulteration because of its cost and availability. Spectroscopy may lead to rapid methodologies for detecting adulteration. The purpose of this study is to detect the adulteration of wild fallow deer (Dama dama) meat with domestic goat (G) (Capra aegagrus hircus) meat, for samples stored for different periods of time using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric.Design/methodology/approach Meat was cut and mixed in different percentages, transformed into mini-burgers and stored at 3°C from 12 to 432 h and periodically examined for FTIR, pH and microbial analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to detect adulteration.Findings The PCA model, applied to the spectral region from 1,138 to 1,180, 1,314 to 1,477, 1,535 to 1,556 and from 1,728 to 1,759 cm−1, describes the adulteration using four principal components which explained 95 per cent of variance. For the levels of Adulteration A1 (pure meat), A2 (25 and 50 %w/wG) and A3 (75 and 100 %w/wG) for an external set of samples, the correlation coefficients for prediction were 0.979, 0.941 and 0.971, and the room mean square error were 8.58, 12.46 and 9.47 per cent, respectively.Originality/value The PLS-DA model predicted the adulteration for an external set of samples with high accuracy. The proposed method has the advantage of allowing rapid results, despite the storage time of the adulterated meat. It was shown that FTIR combined with chemometrics can be used to establish a methodology for the identification of adulteration of game meat, not only for fresh meat but also for meat stored for different periods of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the effect of smoking and oven drying on the proximate composition and sensory characteristics of some selected bush meat samples. Three samples were used (grey duiker, canerat and bush pig), the samples were procured from Uwa market, washed thoroughly then cut into smaller chunks and salted only. Two procedures were adopted for the study, they included proximate analysis of the different smoked and oven dried samples while the other was the use of structured questionnaire relating to the sensory characteristics. Two treatments were applied which included smoking parts of the samples in a smoking kiln with fuel wood and coal for 6hours while the other half were oven dried for 6hours. In terms of the chemical analysis obtained; moisture content (oven dried duiker 15.31%, cane rat 12.30%,), ash (duiker 3.24%, cane rat 2.17%), and dry matter (duiker 92.73% and cane rat 89.75%) showed oven dried samples had higher values than smoked samples however general fat (smoked duiker 6.24%, smoked cane rat 5.12% and bush pig 4.54%) and crude protein (duiker had 23.95%, cane rat had 21.00%, and bush pig 20.42%), smoking had higher values. The results showed that smoked samples were preferred compared to oven dried. To encourage sustainable utilization of bush meat in urban and rural areas, smoke dryingof bush meat is the most appropriate. Duiker, cane rat and bush pig should be smoke dried with fuel wood to improve their acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the contamination of game meat with copper and zinc and establish whether the use of alternative (non-lead) ammunition can lead to higher or unsafe levels of copper and zinc in the meat of roe deer, wild boar and red deer. The research project “Safety of game meat obtained through hunting” (LEMISI) was conducted in Germany with the purpose of examining the entry of lead as well as copper and zinc into the meat of hunted game when using either lead or non-lead ammunition. The outcome of this study shows that the usage of both lead-based ammunition and alternative non-lead ammunition results in the entry of copper and zinc into the edible parts of the game. Using non-lead ammunition does not entail dangerously elevated levels of copper and zinc, so replacing lead ammunition with alternative ammunition does not introduce a further health problem with regard to these metals. The levels of copper and zinc in game meat found in this study are in the range found in previous studies of game. The content of copper and zinc in game meat is also comparable to those regularly detected in meat and its products from livestock (pig, cattle, sheep) for which the mean human consumption rate is much higher. From the viewpoint of consumer health protection, the use of non-lead ammunition does not pose an additional hazard through copper and zinc contamination. A health risk due to the presence of copper and zinc in game meat at typical levels of consumer exposure is unlikely for both types of ammunition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild meat is an important source of food and income for people across the tropics, but overhunting is driving species declines. Comprehension of the interrelated factors that influence wild meat consumption is needed to help address this important issue. A central hypothesis is that market access in the tropics drives consumption. We tested this hypothesis by comparing households with high (living in a town) and low (living in rural areas) market access in the central Amazon. When comparing households in rural communities only, we used travel frequency to town and boat traffic as proxies for market access. To determine interrelationships, we assessed other factors that may influence meat consumption, such as occupation, wealth, and number of people in households. As predicted, town residents consumed more domesticated meat and less wild meat than rural residents. Among rural communities, travel frequency was negatively, and boat traffic was positively, associated with wild meat consumption. Occupation was an important predictor of consumption, with farmers (occupation more common in rural areas) consuming more wild meat than people with other occupations. Number of people in the household was negatively associated with beef consumption. Wealth was associated with wild meat and beef consumption but its effect on consumption was negligible (effect size near zero). When comparing urban and rural residents, we detected a strong relationship between market access and wild meat consumption, but this was influenced by the diversity of livelihood options available to town versus rural residents. Among rural residents, we detected a relationship between market access and wild meat consumption, but this relationship depended on the nature of the market access (household travel frequency to town versus boat traffic at rural communities). Our findings suggest that greater access to market may lead to a decrease in wild meat consumption at the household level. Key factors we did not address, however, require further research in rural communities; namely whether reduced consumption leads to overall reduction in hunting or merely a shift from consumption to trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Folia Pomeranae Universitatis Technologiae Stetinensis Agricultura Alimentaria Piscaria et Zootechnica is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to measure lead (Pb) levels in blood (Pb-blood) in consumers of game meat, taking into account other possible sources of lead exposure. A spot blood sample was obtained from 95 subjects, and a questionnaire was used to collect general information and data on game meat consumption, hunting, wine drinking and other possible sources of lead exposure. Pb-blood was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Pb-blood was not influenced by age, sex, residence in an urban or rural area, consumption of game meat, tobacco smoking or hobbies associated with potential exposure to lead, and median Pb-blood was 1.7 (5th–95th percentile 1.0–5.3) µg/dL and 3.4 (0.9–6.1) µg/dL for game meat non-eaters and eater, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis (containing the covariates sex, age, hunting, wine drinking, game meat consumption, tobacco smoking, shooting range, and occupational exposure) found an association with hunting (Pb-blood almost double in hunters) and wine drinking (40% higher in drinkers) but not with consumption of game meat or other parameters. Whether the higher Pb-blood level was due to inhalation of lead fumes while shooting with lead ammunition, to handling lead ammunition or both could not be ascertained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New evidence of commercialization and consumption of wild meat in Amazonian cities has exposed an alarming yet poorly understood threat to Neotropical biodiversity. In response to the limitations of field sampling for large-scale surveys, we sought to develop a method of rapidly assessing wildlife harvest and trade in multiple areas using expert knowledge. Using caiman as a model taxon, we surveyed experts across the Brazilian Amazon. Expert responses to a Likert-style questionnaire suggest that caiman hunting, generally considered a localized rural activity, is in fact common and geographically widespread. Contrary to previous assumptions we found evidence that urban demand is partly driving the harvest, including via interstate trafficking. We highlight the need for further field validation of wild-meat trade and urban consumption patterns in Amazonia. We conclude that expert elicitation is a simple, cost-effective technique that can be a valuable precursor to inform and direct applied conservation research, especially where there are significant knowledge gaps and at large spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The bushmeat trade in ecosystems in South America other than those within the Amazon basin is presumed to be insignificant, as alternative sources of protein (e.g. beef, chicken, fish) are considered to be more readily available in non-moist forests. However, studies and confiscation reports from countries such as Colombia suggest that bushmeat is consumed in a variety of ecosystems, although the nature of market chains, particularly in urban areas, is still unknown. We studied the urban bushmeat trade in markets in the five main ecoregions in Colombia. We recorded a total of 85 species, the most frequently traded being the paca Cuniculus paca, red brocket deer Mazama americana, grey brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira, capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, armadillo Dasypus spp. and black agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa. Most sales of wild meat occur through clandestine channels and involve a limited number of stakeholders. Bushmeat is a luxury product in urban areas of the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Andean regions. Further work is needed to quantify and monitor the volumes of bushmeat traded, comprehend motivations, explore ways of reducing threats, and engage with stakeholders to organize legal and sustainable use of bushmeat. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigated whether game meat may contain nanoparticles of lead from ammunition. Lead nanoparticles in the range 40 to 750 nm were detected by ICP-MS in single particle mode in game shot with lead-containing bullets. The median diameter of the detected nanoparticles was around 60 nm. The particle mass concentration ranged from 290 to 340 ng/g meat and the particle number concentrations from 27 to 50 million particles/g meat. The size limit of detection strongly depended on the level of dissolved lead and was in the range of 40 to 80 nm. In game meat sampled more than 10 cm away from the wound channel, no lead particles with a diameter larger than 40 nm were detected. In addition to dissolved lead in meat that originated from particulates, the presence of lead nano particles in game meat represents a hitherto unattended source of lead with a largely unknown toxicological impact to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, Italian populations of large wild ungulates increased. Management and containment strategies have been proposed aimed at preventing overpopulation, with a consequent increase of culling and availability of game meat. The present research focuses on the opportunities and limitations associated with the creation of a supply chain for the meat produced by hunting activities of red deer - Cervus elaphus, roe deer - Capreolus capreolus, chamois - Rupicapra rupicapra, mouflon - Ovis orientalis, and wild boar - Sus scrofa. Data have been collected through self-compiled questionnaire submitted to hunters participating to the 2014 hunting season in the Italian Alpine area of Verbano and Val D'Ossola North-West Italian Alps. Results suggest that Italian large wild ungulates lacks the requirements for trade, nonetheless some adjustments are proposed in order to promote and support a local supply chain for type of product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of bushmeat as source of food and medicine for forest peoples calls for an appropriate benefit/risk analysis in terms of human health. In this systematic review, we compiled information on the linkages between bushmeat and health, with a particular focus on the nutritional content, the zoo-therapeutic uses and the zoonotic pool of bushmeat species in tropical and sub-tropical forest regions. Despite the scarcity of data on the nutritional content of most common bushmeat species, the available studies demonstrate that bushmeat is an important source of fats, micro and macro-nutrients and has a diversity of medicinal uses. However, bushmeat may have detrimental health impacts where hunting, transportation, handling and cooking practices do not follow food safety practices. There is evidence that some bushmeat carcasses may be contaminated by toxic metals or by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Moreover, several pathogens carried by bushmeat are found to be zoonotic and potentially transmissible to humans through consumption or through exposure to body fluids and feces. We stress the need for more in-depth studies on the complex links between bushmeat and human health. The development of innovative handling, conservation and cooking practices, adapted to each socio-cultural context, should help reduce the negative impacts of bushmeat consumption on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their direct dependence on wildlife products for subsistent use, people living in poverty are often viewed as being in conflict with wildlife conservation. We studied the attitudes of local people towards mountain nyala ( Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Munessa, Ethiopia. A household survey (n = 214) was used to examine the socio-economic characteristics and beliefs of local people from three peasant associations and one village. Generally, the study revealed that local people had positive attitudes towards mountain nyala, its conservation and population increase, which is consistent with our predictions. For example, a greater percentage of the respondents had positive (62.5%) rather than negative (37.5%) attitudes towards mountain nyala and its conservation. Moreover, the larger proportion of the respondents had positive (66.67%) rather than negative (33.3%) attitudes towards an increase in mountain nyala population. However, compared to socio-economic characteristics, beliefs towards mountain nyala were more powerful and consistent predictor of attitudes and explained much of the variances of the two groups of the dependent variables. Thus, informing local communities about the value of mountain nyala (e.g. recreational and economic) through conservation education, advocating the need for sustainable utilization and introducing an economic benefit sharing may improve positive attitude and increase participation of local people in conservation and management of the mountain nyala population in Munessa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Africa, overhunting of tropical wildlife for food remains an intractable issue. Donors and governments remain committed to invest in efforts to both conserve and allow the sustainable use of wildlife. Four principal barriers need to be overcome: (i) communities are not motivated to conserve wildlife long-term because they have no formal rights to benefit from wildlife, or to exclude others from taking it on their land; (ii) multispecies harvests, typical of bushmeat hunting scenarios, place large-bodied species at risk of extinction; (iii) wildlife production cannot expand, in the same way that livestock farming can, to meet the expected growth in consumer demand; and (iv) wildlife habitat is lost through conversion to agriculture, housing, transportation networks and extractive industries. In this review, we examine the actors involved in the use of wildlife as food and discuss the possible solutions required to address urban and rural bushmeat consumption. Interventions must tackle use and conservation of wildlife through the application of context-relevant interventions in a variety of geographies across Africa. That said, for any bushmeat solution to work, there needs to be concurrent and comparable investment in strengthening the effectiveness of protected area management and enforcement of wildlife conservation laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)