Imagine sitting down to a family dinner, excited to enjoy a meal of black bear kebabs that were hunted and harvested with pride. However, what started as a joyous reunion soon turned into a nightmare for a family of nine in South Dakota during the summer of 2022. The meat that was diligently kept frozen after being hunted in Canada ended up causing unexpected health issues for the diners. As the meat was thawed, cooked, and served, it brought along tiny parasites that went unnoticed until it was too late.
The consequences of consuming contaminated bear meat became evident a few days after the dinner. The family members began to experience flu-like symptoms, with varying degrees of severity. While some individuals had relatively mild symptoms that resolved on their own, others ended up hospitalized. One family member in particular, a 29-year-old man, faced multiple hospital visits due to severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, swelling, and an elevated white blood cell count. The discovery that he had consumed bear meat sparked a new investigation into the source of the illness.
The investigation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed the presence of Trichinella nativa in the bear meat. This parasite, known for its high resistance to freezing temperatures, is commonly found in wild animals such as boars, foxes, walruses, and bears. The microscopic examination of the meat revealed moving roundworm larvae, even after being stored in a household freezer for 110 days. While human infections of Trichinella in North America are rare, the unsuspecting family members fell victim to this parasitic infection.
Confirming the presence of Trichinella in the infected individuals proved to be a challenging task for the CDC. Laboratory testing for Trichinellosis can be difficult early on in the illness, leading to limited sensitivity in antibody testing. Despite this, the six individuals who fell ill after consuming the bear meat received appropriate treatment and eventually recovered. However, the investigation uncovered a surprising revelation – six out of eight family members who only consumed vegetables at the reunion also fell ill. This raised suspicions of cross-contamination during the cooking process.
The unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with consuming wild meat. Not all parasites are eliminated through freezing or cooking, highlighting the importance of proper food preparation. For those residing in northern Saskatchewan communities where wild bear meat is a common delicacy, the risks of parasite infections should not be taken lightly. Adequate cooking with internal temperatures exceeding 74°C (165°F) is emphasized as the most reliable method for killing Trichinella parasites and preventing cross-contamination.
The unforeseen dangers of consuming wild meat, as exemplified by the unfortunate experience of the family in South Dakota, underscore the importance of vigilant food safety practices. Awareness of potential health risks, thorough cooking techniques, and adherence to precautionary measures can help mitigate the risks associated with consuming game meat. This cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder that when indulging in the pleasures of hunting and feasting on wild game, ensuring food safety should always remain a top priority.
Leave a Reply