Trichinosis
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Example |
|
| Can I still use the animal |
Yes - take safety precautions
|
| Commonly infected wildlife |
Bears, Mountain Lions
|
| Is this animal infected |
- Wild animals rarely show signs of disease
- Always assume mountain lion and bear meat is infected
|
| 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 |
No symptoms or mild symptoms most common; can be fatal
|
| How can I 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
|
| 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
|
| Is it safe for pets |
Not Raw - Cook first
|
| What causes it |
- A roundworm called Trichinella found in muscles of infected animals
|
