European bushmeat could be the source of Ebola and the AIDs virus.

Filed in archive News on June 25, 2010

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As the global village reaches even the most sophisticated capital cities, the global market place follows right behind. While many of us love to live within cosmopolitan communities with their mix of ethnicites, music, culture, and rich languages, there is also cause for concern.

'European experts checked 29 Air France flights from Central and West Africa that landed at Paris' Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport over a 17-day period in June 2008.'

The resulting seizures of products included monkey meat, ant eaters, crocodile, rats, and even small antelope. These products all fall under the term bushmeat and it would appear there are no health and safety regulations in place for the killing and distribution. In fact, some of the animals are on the international endangered species list.

Experts believe that over 5 tons of bushmeat arrives in many European cities each week. Bushmeat can carry Ebola, and monkeypox. The AIDs virus originated in monkeys and the SARS outbreak in 2003 was traced back to bats and civets.
With penalties for smuggling bushmeat being very light, if applied, it doesn't seem that the smuggling will stop any time soon.

Bushmeat can also be found for sale in the United States. While it presents a huge health risk, some people believe it is a luxury item.