For those not aware of the current Ebola outbreak in West
Africa, the virus has already killed over 3,000 people. On Wednesday, the first
patient diagnosed in the United States died as well. The virus is transmitted
through bodily fluids, and causes fever, vomiting, and external and internal
bleeding among many other symptoms.
Part of what makes this virus so interesting, and relevant
to our food blog, is the origin of the disease. Ebola is believed to originate
in fruit bats. Therefore, an outbreak begins when someone eats a contaminated
bat, or when a bat transmits the disease to an animal, which is than eaten by
humans. It is speculated that HIV was transmitted to humans in a similar manner
– through the consumption of contaminated primate meat.
I find it very thought provoking that some of the worst diseases
to affect humans on a global scale have emerged from people trying to find
food. Of course, this is a larger socioeconomic and cultural issue because 1). Many
of those who hunt bushmeat do so because they have no other source of protein
in their diet 2). They must sell bushmeat because they have very limited
opportunities to earn money and 3). The consumption of certain animals is a
cultural tradition.
It makes one question what are healthy and sustainable food
practices. Perhaps if as a global society we were able to redistribute the
distribution of food, then certain peoples would not have to resort to killing
animals that may contain harmful diseases. A difficult task. What may be
simpler, at least in theory, is to promote economic development in
underdeveloped parts of the globe. If people have greater access to wealth and
education, then they will not need to engage in these consumption patterns that
clearly have played a role in introducing the world to serious diseases.
Although a couple months old, I suggest everyone read this
article:
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