Preventing mpox at its source through food safety and One Health strategies

Thinking beyond human-to-human transmission of mpox and looking at how to prevent outbreaks in the first place is often much cheaper than managing them.

One key area to focus on is how mpox spreads from animals to humans, particularly through contact with bushmeat.

In a commentary in BMC Global and Public Health (Oct 2024), scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) highlight the importance of food safety and One Health approaches in preventing outbreaks of mpox at its source, arguing that working together across sectors can better address the connections between humans, bushmeat and the environment.

Food safety in informal markets

Bushmeat is often sold alongside other fresh foods in informal ('wet') markets which typically operate with little regulation and poor hygiene standards, increasing the risk of spread of diseases.

However, research on food safety in informal markets offers promising solutions.

Scientists at ILRI have developed a 'three-legged stool' approach to improve food safety in informal markets by addressing three areas:

1. building capacity of value chain actors through training and simple technologies;
2. motivating behaviour change through incentives and nudges; and
3. improving policies and regulations.

They believe these same strategies could help make bushmeat consumption practices safer.

Importance of a One Health approach

Bushmeat is a key resource for many rural communities, so any changes to how it is handled need to consider social, economic and environmental factors.

A One Health approach that brings together public health experts, veterinarians, wildlife specialists and community leaders can help to develop comprehensive measures to reduce disease transmission at the interface of people, animals and the environment.

Pilot project

The scientists propose to carry out a pilot project using the 'three-legged stool' approach combined with One Health collaboration to address bushmeat practices.

If successful, they will refine and scale up the project to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

This work builds on a larger report that more broadly explores the rewards and risks of eating wild animals.

Citation
Lam, S., Masudi, S.P., Ha Thi Thanh Nguyen and Grace, D. 2024. Preventing mpox at its source: Using food safety and One Health strategies to address bushmeat practices. BMC Global and Public Health 2: 69.

Photo: Smoked bushmeat sold along the road, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (credit: Nathalie van Vliet/CIFOR)

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