European Food Safety Authority finds illegal bushmeat imports from Africa carry Ebola risk

Scientists from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have found that there is a remote possibility of the spread of the Ebola virus through bushmeat illegally imported from Western and Central Africa.

EFSA released the report following a request from the European Commission to assess the possibility of the transmission of virus through the food chain.

While the possibility of such transmissions has been found to be low, the scientists have warned that owing to its high fatality rate and easily transmissible nature, the introduction of the virus could be serious.

Studies by the agency have shown that animals native to African forests such as fruit bats, gorillas, chimpanzees and duikers, carry Zaïre Ebola virus (Zebov).

The import of bushmeat from Africa into Europe is not authorised.

According to EFSA, the risk of transmission of ebola from bushmeat is low as hunting and butchering of do not happen in Europe, consumption of bushmeat in EU is considered to be low, and the number of outbreaks reported in Africa due to consumption of bushmeat is relatively low. However, the agency observes that there are several knowledge gaps in its risk assessment.

"For example, there is no information about consumption levels in the EU, or on how illegally imported bushmeat is handled, prepared and consumed in Europe.

"Scientists do not know for how long the virus survives in meat or animal products."

EFSA has said that the most effective way of preventing the transmission of Ebola in Europe through bushmeat was by preventing the illegal imports.

The current Ebola outbreak is primarily concentrated in the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. According to WHO, about 13,703 cases have been reported and about 4,920 died due to the disease.