Bushmeat a Delicacy, Pre-Cursor for Species Extinction or Disease Outbreak?

Have you ever heard of bushmeat, and NO it has no relevance to the beer or our former President.  In Africa, the forest is often referred to as “the bush”, wildlife and the meat derived from it is referred to as 'bushmeat' (in French - viande de brousse).  In Africa much of the land is being de-forested and over-hunted which displaces and kills elephants; gorillas; chimpanzees; forest antelope (duikers); crocodile; porcupine; bush pig; guinea fowl;  and many other animals.  The Africans do not let the potential meal go to waste they capture the animals, which some are on the endangered species list, and make pepper soup, smoked bush and other traditional dishes that are native to that area.

I already mentioned that many of these animals are on the endangered species list and are on the verge of extinction, but what is the health risk?  Those that eat bushmeat are at risk for zoonotic illnesses (animal to human diseases), ebola, HIV, monkeypox and rabies; because of the risk it is illegal to import into the United States.  The problem that we are currently having is that we have so many different cultures and ethnic groups that long for their traditional meals; illegal foods including bushmeat is smuggled in through major airports almost daily in suitcases. 

If you go to an African restaurant it is not likely that they will serve you bushmeat, but if you are a native they just might.   Know that most ethnic restaurants have ‘two’ menus one for the general public and one for natives; even though some of these foods are illegal they can be found in the United States.  So what is the moral to this story you ask?  No real moral just wanted to let you know about some different/ bizarre foods that can be served (legally and illegally) in the United States.  I will tell you that I have tried bushmeat in Miami (will not name the restaurant) and it is actually pretty good.  I personally will not make it a practice to eat because I do not want any diseases where I am on the nightly news or CNN, but it was quite tasty over rice.  Happy eating and as usual feel free to ask me any food safety questions and I will be happy to answer.

Oh and by the way I will be offering a Certified Food Manager Class and Examination that will be open to the public August 28 (food safety) and August 29 (examination).  The location will be held at the AmtrakBuilding located at: 918 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32310.  The first day of training will from 9-3:30 pm and the FDA Food Code and Florida Statutes will be covered and August 29, 2009, from 9-12 pm the Certified Professional Food Manager Examination will be administered through Prometric testing services.  The general public may not be interested in the exam, but feel free to attend the class for $50.00; I normally charge $200 for the class and examination and $50.00 for the exam only.  I will charge $100.00 for anyone (general public or restaurant owner) that want to attend both days.