Mpox: Gov’t cautions Kenyans against consuming bushmeat

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has advised Kenyans to refrain from handling and consuming bushmeat now that cases of Mpox have been confirmed across Kenya and the larger East Africa region.

In a public advisory on Saturday, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighted that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WRTI) are working with the Ministry of Health to monitor the health status of both human and wildlife populations since Mpox can be transmitted from wild animals to humans.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites Mpox as a zoonotic viral disease. People can get infected with the virus through direct contact with infected animals, often while hunting, trapping, and processing infected animals or their body parts and fluids.

"Veterinarians in these entities are currently closely monitoring and are on high alert following reports of a recent Mpox outbreak in the region. KWS and WRTI are part of the national Mpox management team currently receiving updates on the breakout," said Miano.

"Therefore, duly advised by relevant authorities within the State Department of Wildlife under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, I appeal to all Kenyans to desist from handling or consuming bushmeat forthwith. This entreaty comes in the wake of reports of cases of Mpox affection in the country."

CS Miano noted that while reported cases of Mpox have been limited so far, the current situation suggests a possible outbreak if the experts' warnings are ignored.

"Aside from Mpox that has already been declared a public health emergency of international concern, there is an entire plethora of diseases portended by handling of or consuming bushmeat. They include, Coronavirus, Ebola, Salmonellosis, Rabies, Anthrax, Brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever, Swine Respiratory Disease, Myiasis, Avian Flu, Tetanus, Cysticercosis and more," she noted.

"The wide range of possible afflictions heralded by handling or consumption of bushmeat alone is ample reason for all responsible Kenyans to completely avoid any incautious dalliance with wildlife now and in the future."

The CS added that the her ministry will continue sensitising communities living close to wildlife conservancies on the need to keep away from bushmeat poaching, hunting and handling meat from wild animals.