Bear meat from Saskatchewan causes illness in American family

A family reunion turned into a nightmare for one extended family in South Dakota after a unique meal of black bear meat sent several members to the hospital with a serious parasitic infection. The incident, which occurred in the summer of 2022, was detailed in the latest edition of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The family reunion brought together relatives from across the country, with one member, a hunter, bringing black bear meat that he had harvested in northern Saskatchewan. The meat had been frozen for 45 days before being thawed and grilled as kebabs at the celebration. However, freezing the meat may not have been enough to kill all potential parasites, as some species are freeze-tolerant.

Trichinellosis, a serious disease caused by parasitic roundworms found in wildlife like bears, can be difficult to detect in meat during butchering. The CDC recommends cooking bear meat thoroughly to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the parasites, as smoking, salting, drying, and microwaving may not always be effective.

Unfortunately, some family members fell ill after consuming the undercooked bear meat, with symptoms ranging from severe muscle pain and fever to swollen eyes. One 29-year-old man had to be hospitalized twice before doctors suspected trichinellosis, which was confirmed through tests. In total, six family members showed symptoms consistent with the infection, with three requiring hospitalization.

Treatment with albendazole, an antiparasitic drug, was successful for those hospitalized, while others received supportive care as their symptoms resolved. The CDC advised the hunter to discard any remaining meat and informed the Public Health Agency of Canada about the outbreak, as the bear had originated from that country.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thoroughly cooking game meat, especially wild game harvested in northern latitudes, to prevent parasitic infections. The CDC also recommends storing and preparing raw meat separately from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Education on these risks and preventive measures is crucial for government agencies and private groups involved in hunting activities.