Your meat indeed could be a high risk for your health. In some cases this can be a public concern, because meat can be a source of pathogens that could cause a disease outbreak. In fact, it has been documented that close interaction among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans could provide the perfect environment for pathogen exchange.[1] Even more alarmingly, almost 75% of diseases that have recently emerged in humans have their origin in animals, a process technically known as zoonosis.[2] Hunting and butchering of wild animals has been increasingly recognized as a source of disease emergence. The most common zoonotic pathogens are RNA viruses, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus,[3] and the H5N1 influenza virus, that causes flu.[4] Wildlife products that have not been inspected for sanitary conditions could thus be a serious threat to public health.

The United States is one of the world’s largest importers of wildlife and wildlife products.[5] Every year approximately 120 million live wild animals and 25,000 tons of wildlife products are imported into the US. New York City is the busiest port of entry into the US, and in combination with the Los Angeles and Miami international airports, accounts for more than 50% of all wildlife imports. One of the main concerns with importation of wild animals and wildlife products is the introduction of pathogens that are associated with them. Examples of diseases introduced to the US by wildlife include amphibian chytridiomycosis, exotic Newcastle’s disease, and monkey pox.

In a study published this month in PLoS ONE, a large collaborative team composed by researchers from EcoHealth Alliance, Columbia University, the American Museum of Natural History, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Geological Survey, and the Wildlife Conservation Society tested samples from approximately 44 different meat products confiscated at five US international airports, the majority coming from JFK Airport.[6] Using DNA barcoding they identified that the bushmeat (term used to define product obtained from hunting and butchering of wild animals) came from chimpanzees, mangabeys, and green monkeys, among other animals. Both simian foamy viruses (SFV) and herpes viruses were detected in the wildlife products. Both type of viruses have been associated with infections and diseases in humans, such as malignant catarrhal fever or herpes B virus.[7] This is yet another study highlighting the manifold applications of DNA barcoding.

This PLoS ONE study⁶ was the first to conduct surveillance for zoonotic viruses in bushmeat products illegally imported into the US and establishes a precedent of the threat these products could represent for our public health.

The foods we eat also have a big effect. I think back on what my mother used to preach, and I think she had it right. She told me to eat my greens and have lots of fruit. On the other hand, somehow she knew too much alcohol, red meat, and sugary drinks are bad. “Where did all the ice cream go?” echoes from the past. My hiking and canoeing mother encouraged me to do sports and other outdoor activities. I knew these choices were healthy and protected me from heart disease. What I didn’t realize was that my mother was protecting me from cancer, too.

The World Cancer Research Fund has recommendations for how to prevent cancer. I think they interviewed my mom.

Here are some of them:
• Be as lean as possible in the normal range of body weight
• Be physically active every day
• Avoid “energy-dense” foods and sugary drinks.
• Eat lots of non-starchy veggies and fruit
• Limit red meat and processed meat in your diet
• Avoid salt

You can check out the details and see the whole list on their web site:

http://www.wcrf.org/research/expert_report/recommendations.php

Now that I have passed on my mother’s preaching, you have yet another reason to eat well and exercise. I’m off to the gym… to fight cancer and heart disease at the same time!