Trichinosis

Caution

Commonly infected wildlife

BearsMountain Lion

Is this animal infected?

  • Wild animals rarely show signs of disease
  • Always assume mountain lion and bear meat is infected
Trichinosis

Can I get it?

Yes

  • By eating undercooked mountain lion or bear meat infected with the Trichinella worm
  • You cannot get it from an infected person

How bad can it get?

Danger

No symptoms or mild symptoms most common; can be fatal

Protect myself and others

  • DO NOT EAT RAW MEAT
  • Kill the worms!
    • Cook meat thoroughly
    • Heat to at least to 165°F
  • Worms are not killed by smoking, microwaving, freezing, curing or drying

Cook
165 °F

Symptoms in humans

  • Variable, but may include:
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Fever
    • Stomach pain
    • Fatigue
    • Aching joints
    • Eye swelling
    • Muscle pain
  • May be FATAL if worms interfere with the heart, diaphragm, lungs or brain
  • Consult with your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms for up to eight weeks after eating mountain lion or wild bear meat

Safe for pets?

Not Raw - Cook first

Not safe for pets

What causes it?

  • A roundworm called Trichinella found in muscles of infected animals

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