The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has issued a public advisory urging Kenyans to refrain from handling or consuming bushmeat, following concerns over a recent Mpox epidemic. in the region.
This advisory was announced in a press release dated Saturday, August 24, 2024, and signed by Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
The advisory comes as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in collaboration with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), intensifies monitoring efforts in conjunction with the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Ministry of Health under the One Health approach.
“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. Though reported cases are isolated thus far—the prevailing situation, nonetheless, foreshadows a potential eruption if cautionary counsel from experts goes unheeded,” Miano said in the advisory.
The teams are on high alert due to the potential health risks posed by the zoonotic viral disease Mpox, which is transmissible between wild animals and humans.
“As guided by medical and animal health experts, Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease meaning that it is communicable between wild animals and human beings. The spread of zoonotic ailments—be they bacterial, viral or parasitic—occurs through direct contact or through food, water or the environment and are of significant public health concern globally,” the statement said.
Adding that; “The core axis of zoonotic afflictions involves interaction among human beings, livestock and wild animals. In this day and age of dire consequences of extreme climate change ebb and flow, host-vector-pathogen dynamics are likely to result in unprecedented disease emergence and re-emergence, thus making the call to stay away from bushmeat urgent.
While the reported Mpox cases in Kenya remain isolated, authorities warn that ignoring expert advice could lead to a larger epidemic.
Mpox has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The Ministry highlighted the broader risks associated with bushmeat, noting that it can transmit a variety of zoonotic diseases beyond Mpox.
These include Coronavirus, Ebolà, Salmonellosis, Rabies, Anthràx, and Avian Flu, among others. The interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife is a significant factor in the spread of these diseases, particularly in the context of climate change, which can alter host-vector-pathogen dynamics.
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, along with KWS and WRTI, will continue to educate communities living near wildlife areas on the dangers of bushmeat consumption and poaching.
The CS also reminded the public that bushmeat poaching and hunting are criminal offences under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013.
Kenyans are urged to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health concerning Mpox and to report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities immediately.