Response to the Ebola-related bushmeat consumption ban in rural Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Bushmeat represents an important animal protein source for populations in rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire; consequently, the exploitation of the bushmeat reserves has contributed to food security in these areas for long time. However, emergence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa in 2014 has led to a ban and stigmatization of this essential food source in rural zones. The present study analyses the influence of the decision to ban bushmeat consumption due to EVD on the patterns of consumption of proteins sources and food security. It aims to characterize the different protein sources consumed in rural areas in the Toumodi region before and after the EVD outbreak in order to identify alternatives to bushmeat. Results:The results demonstrated that fish remains the principal animal protein source (92.1% of households) even outside the EVD crisis. Among protein sources, only bushmeat and fish consumptions have been modified with the Ebola threat. The proportion of households that regularly consume bushmeat decreased to 19.8%, however, this reduction in consumption has been driving by sensitization and repression. Fish consumption frequency increased from 4 to 7 times per week in the EVD crisis period. Picking up in the bush is a main mode of supply of some protein sources such as snail or shellfish but their seasonal character limits their use in the households. Vegetable protein sources seem to play a minor role in the diet of the households assessed, whereas edible mushrooms are consumed frequently to complement or substitute animal protein sources. Conclusion:The ban on bushmeat has led to a reduction in its consumption while fish and edible mushrooms seem to have filled related protein deficits in the households assessed. However, constraints in availability and utilization of these alternative sources build an inconsistent basis to fulfil the nutritional needs. To counteract potentially arising protein deficiencies among the population, the development and implementation of fish farming and livestock at short cycle are suggested in order to improve access to protein sources other than bushmeat.

Hunting, Sale, and Consumption of Bushmeat Killed by Lead-Based Ammunition in Benin

“…The consumption of bushmeat received growing attention during the 2013–2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa [ 6 ]. Consumption or handling of bushmeat infected with Ebola virus, is a known risk factor for infection transmission to humans [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Consumption or handling of bushmeat infected with Ebola virus, is a known risk factor for infection transmission to humans [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. This led to a ban and stigmatization of bushmeat in many West African countries [ 6 , 10 ]. Briefly, one of the initial public health measures implemented to control the West African EVD outbreak was to ban hunting, sale, and consumption of bushmeat [ 10 ].…”

Foot Patrols Enhance Conservation Efforts in Threatened Forest Reserves of Coastal Côte d’Ivoire

“…We recognize awareness programs assisted in reducing hunting in Ivory Coast including, perhaps, in Dassioko Sud and Port Gauthier FR; however, we note that the greatest decrease in illegal activity occurred well before the Ebola outbreak and the awareness campaign that followed (Figures 4 and 5). Subsequent to the poaching levels reaching their lowest points ( Figure 5) at the end of 2014, education programs (e.g., Dinde et al, 2017) warning against the dangers of Ebola and bushmeat likely helped maintain low levels of illegal activity in 2015 and 2016.…”

Pratique d’Interdits Alimentaires: Entre Logique Identitaire, Enjeux Sanitaires Et Conservation De La Biodiversité Chez Les Agni De Bongouanou (Côte d’Ivoire)

“…L'objectif à travers toutes ces actions, était d'améliorer l'état nutritionnel et sanitaire des populations issues des couches les plus vulnérables 5 . En outre, l'Etat Ivoirien a arrêté des mesures d'interdiction de consommation et d'importation de certaines protéines animales pour faire face à la survenue de la fièvre hémorragique à virus Ebola 6 , du virus du lac tilapia 7 , de l'émergence de la peste porcine 8 au nord du pays et aux cas de grippes aviaires en Côte d'Ivoire (Yacouba, 2007). Ces mesures ont contribué à positionner la consommation du poisson et du champignon comestible comme alternative de protéines pour les populations en milieu rural (Dindé et al, 2017).…”

“…http://www.nutrition.gouv.ci/conseil.php?lang=&ID=3, consulté le 27 Novembre 2017 5. Les enfants, femmes enceintes, personnes du troisième âge, et les ménages à faible revenu 6. Le 21 mars 2014, la maladie découverte a été identifiée comme étant la maladie à virus Ebola.…”