Wild meat is vital to diets and livelihoods, providing essential nutrition and economic sustenance for many communities, particularly in Africa and Asia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the fragile balance between humans and nature into sharp focus, sparking calls to halt wild meat trade and consumption to protect public health and biodiversity.
A new report, ‘Eating Wild Animals: Rewards, Risks and Recommendations’ led by NRI’s Professor Delia Grace, delves into the complex world of wild meat hunting, consumption and trade, revealing the risks and opportunities of this intricate issue.
Launched at the 8th World One Health Congress on 20 September, the report explores wild meat consumption and its associated value chains from hunting to harvesting, marketing and consumption. It also examines the implications of eating wild meat for human nutrition and the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread from this practice.
The authors acknowledge the intrinsic risks of wild meat consumption and recommend ways to reshape the wild meat trade to maintain its benefits to millions of mostly poor communities while preserving biodiversity and minimising inherent risks.
A vital source of nutrition
Tens of millions of people worldwide rely on wild meat for their diets, customs and livelihoods. Approximately 80 million rural households – roughly 400 million people – depend on wild meat across sub-Saharan Africa and East and Southeast Asia. Wild meat is vital for their nutritional needs and an essential source of calories, protein, fat and micronutrients for which there is no readily available substitute.
The authors argue that a ban on wild meat hunting, trade and consumption would be impossible, even immoral, to enforce considering the benefits wild meat provides to millions of mostly poor populations.
The report reveals that wildlife and wild fish provide at least 20% of animal protein in rural household diets in at least 62 countries and at least 15 countries, mostly in Africa, would risk food insecurity if wild meat were excluded from diets.
The ugly side of wild meat
The consumption of wild meat is a significant and direct contributor both to the spread of neglected endemic zoonotic diseases (that can spread between animals and humans) and the emergence of new illnesses from animals. The report notes that over 91 disease spillover events, resulting in 25 different zoonotic disease outbreaks, have been documented in connection with eating wild meat.
However, wild meat consumption may not be as significant a pathway for disease spillover as exposure to animal fluids and excrement during the handling of wild animals. This makes strategies to address the safety of wild meat during handling and consumption particularly vital. Interventions at this point could also ensure that wild animals are handled in ways that minimise suffering and distress.
Another risk is from the loss of biodiversity due to changes to ecosystems that make them less able to support life. Sustainable harvesting of wild animals must be ecologically sound. The report outlines strategies and research priorities to minimise the risks associated with wild meat production and consumption and promote a safer, more sustainable future.
A new approach to wild meat value chain management
The authors recommend a novel approach dubbed ‘Eco-Epi-Well-Wel’. This approach integrates four key pillars: enhancing ecological health, mitigating epidemiological risks for humans and animals, fostering human wellbeing, and promoting the welfare of both wild and domestic animals. Professor Delia Grace said: ‘Eating meat from wild animals has many complicated aspects but is too often addressed by groups with one point of view. A more holistic management allows better and fairer solutions.’ Delia is Professor of Food Safety Systems at NRI.
The report’s recommendations will require the consideration of social, economic, and environmental factors, making a collaborative One Health approach essential. The One Health approach highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Additionally, the report stresses the importance of a community-based approach to the sustainable management of wild meat resources. This is because most zoonotic risks occur at community level where most wildlife hunting and butchering occurs. In this approach, local communities need to be part of decision-making and be responsible for managing wildlife practices.
This report not only reinforces the universal right to safe and healthy food for all but also lays a practical roadmap for safeguarding human health, promoting the welfare of wild animals, and preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystems they call home. It will be a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners in the health, veterinary, environment and wildlife sectors.
Read or download the report here.