Public health risks associated with the utilisation of wildlife products in certain regions of Africa.

ABSTRACT

The authors describe the public health risks associated with wildlife products in certain regions of Africa. Most of the information presented is obtained from the Republic of South Africa, particularly the Kruger National Park. There are no statutory requirements in South Africa regarding the general inspection of game carcasses prior to sale however, current regulatory inspection requirements are explained. Game farming systems in southern Africa are generally extensive systems with wild herbivores living in a near-natural 'free-ranging' state. Several pathological processes and disease entities have been confirmed in wildlife carcasses and these are listed with zoonotic implications.