A family reunion in South Dakota took a dangerous turn when several members of an extended family fell ill after consuming black bear meat at a summer celebration in 2022. The incident, detailed in the latest edition of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, shed light on the risks associated with consuming wild game meat.
The black bear meat, brought by a family member who had hunted it in northern Saskatchewan, had been frozen for 45 days before being grilled and served as kebabs. Despite efforts to freeze the meat to kill potential parasites, freezing may not eliminate all parasites, as some species are freeze-tolerant.
Trichinellosis, a serious disease caused by parasitic roundworms found in wildlife like bears, can be difficult to detect in meat during butchering due to the lack of visible signs. The CDC recommends cooking bear meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure parasites are killed.
Unfortunately, some family members consumed the bear meat rare, leading to illness. Symptoms of trichinellosis can range from muscle pain and fever to more severe complications if the larvae migrate to different parts of the body.
Of the eight family members interviewed, six showed symptoms consistent with trichinellosis, with three requiring hospitalization. Treatment with albendazole, an antiparasitic drug, was administered to those hospitalized, while others received supportive care.
Following the outbreak, CDC labs confirmed the presence of Trichinella larvae in the bear meat samples and advised discarding any remaining meat. The incident highlighted the importance of thoroughly cooking game meat and preventing cross-contamination with other foods.
The CDC emphasized the need for educating hunters on the risks associated with consuming wild game meat and proper food safety practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
