Feral pig, a seemingly harmless delicacy, landed a Florida man in the hospital with a rare and serious infection. This case, detailed in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, highlights the potential dangers of consuming wild game and the importance of safe food handling practices.
The patient, a pastor in his 70s with a history of heart failure and an implanted cardiac defibrillator (AICD), experienced recurring chest issues starting in the spring of 2019. Multiple hospital visits and antibiotic treatments proved ineffective, as the underlying cause of his infection remained elusive. It wasn’t until the fall of 2020, during a visit to the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida, that doctors finally identified the culprit: Brucella suis, a bacteria commonly found in pigs.
The man, who lived on a farm but had no direct contact with livestock, recalled receiving feral pig meat from a local hunter in 2017. He admitted to handling the raw meat with his bare hands before cooking and consuming it. While other possibilities exist, medical professionals believe this was the likely source of his B. suis infection.
Brucellosis: A Serious Health Threat
Brucellosis, the disease caused by Brucella bacteria, is a zoonotic illness, meaning it primarily spreads from animals to humans. While typically contracted through consuming unpasteurized dairy products or direct contact with infected animals, this case underscores the risk associated with handling and consuming wild game. Brucella suis, one of several species that can infect humans, can cause chronic and debilitating symptoms, including arthritis and heart inflammation, if left untreated.
The difficulty in diagnosing brucellosis further complicated the pastor’s case. Initially misidentified as a different bacterial infection, the delayed diagnosis contributed to his prolonged illness. The bacteria’s ability to thrive within human cells makes it particularly challenging to eradicate.
Treatment and Recovery
The removal of the infected AICD, a procedure carrying a potential risk of aerosolizing the bacteria and exposing medical staff, was successfully performed. Fortunately, proper precautions prevented further spread, and no other cases were reported. The patient received the standard antibiotic regimen for brucellosis, which proved effective. Four months later, a new AICD was implanted, and three years post-treatment, he remains free of infection.
Prevention and Awareness
While brucellosis is relatively rare in the U.S., with approximately 100 cases reported annually, the growing feral pig population poses a continuing risk. Hunters and consumers of wild game, particularly feral pig meat, must be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions.
The case study authors emphasize the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling wild game and thoroughly cooking meat to eliminate harmful bacteria. These simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting brucellosis and other foodborne illnesses.
This Florida man’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in wild game. By raising awareness and promoting safe food handling practices, we can mitigate the risks associated with consuming feral pig and other wild meats.
