Fragments of dangerous zoonotic retroviruses and herpesviruses found in bushmeat smuggled into US airports

[Emily]

Full text at link in Tetano's thread, including graphic photos. The US is also one of the largest importers of live exotic animals. During 2000-2006, approximately 1.5 billion live wild animals (around 120,000,000 per year) were imported, with almost 90% being for the pet industry. Minimal surveillance of the legal trade is done.

In this study of smuggled meat samples collected at several international airports, parts originating from nonhuman primate (NHP) and rodent species, including baboon, chimpanzee, mangabey, guenon, green monkey, cane rat and rat were identified[/B]. Pathogen screening discovered retroviruses (simian foamy virus) and/or herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus and lymphocryptovirus) in the NHP samples.

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179820

Smith KM , Anthony SJ , Switzer WM , Epstein JH , Seimon T , et al. 2012 Zoonotic Viruses Associated with Illegally Imported Wildlife Products. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29505. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0029505
Zoonotic Viruses Associated with Illegally Imported Wildlife Products
Abstract Top

The global trade in wildlife has historically contributed to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The United States is the world's largest importer of wildlife and wildlife products, yet minimal pathogen surveillance has precluded assessment of the health risks posed by this practice. This report details the findings of a pilot project to establish surveillance methodology for zoonotic agents in confiscated wildlife products. IThese results are the first demonstration that illegal bushmeat importation into the United States could act as a conduit for pathogen spread, and suggest that implementation of disease surveillance of the wildlife trade will help facilitate prevention of disease emergence.