Bushmeat Consumption in Africa: A One Health Perspective on Public Health Risks and Stakeholder Insights

Abstract

The consumption of bushmeat, which includes wild animals hunted for food, is a widespread practice in Africa, driven by cultural traditions, dietary preferences, and economic factors. While it serves as a crucial source of protein and livelihoods for many rural and peri-urban communities, the bushmeat trade presents significant public health challenges, particularly from a One Health perspective. This interdisciplinary framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, providing a holistic approach to addressing the risks associated with bushmeat consumption. Key public health implications include the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola Virus Disease, HIV, and monkeypox, which can jump from wildlife to humans through direct contact during hunting, butchering, and consumption of infected animals. Additionally, the bushmeat trade threatens biodiversity, alters ecosystems, and increases the likelihood of novel pathogens emerging due to human encroachment into wildlife habitats. Poor sanitary practices in bushmeat handling and the lack of regulatory frameworks exacerbate these risks, especially in resource-limited settings. This abstract explores the drivers and consequences of bushmeat consumption, emphasizing the importance of adopting the One Health approach to mitigate risks. Strategies such as strengthening surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases, promoting alternative protein sources, enforcing wildlife conservation policies, and raising public awareness about the health risks are critical. Furthermore, cross-sectoral collaboration among public health officials, veterinarians, ecologists, and policymakers is essential to achieve sustainable solutions that balance human nutrition, wildlife conservation, and disease prevention. The findings underscore the urgency of integrating One Health principles into public health interventions to address the complex challenges posed by bushmeat consumption in Africa.