Florida Pastor’s Feral Pig Feast Leads to Rare Infection and Hospitalization
A seemingly harmless gift of feral pig meat turned into a medical nightmare for a Florida pastor, highlighting the hidden dangers lurking in wild game. The pastor’s case, detailed in a recent report published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, underscores the importance of awareness and caution when handling and consuming feral swine.
The unfortunate incident began in 2017 when the pastor, a man in his 70s with a history of heart failure requiring an implanted cardiac defibrillator (AICD), received feral pig meat from a local hunter on several occasions. He handled the meat with his bare hands before cooking and eating it, unaware of the potential health risks it posed.
In the spring of 2019, the pastor began experiencing chest issues that led to multiple hospitalizations. Doctors initially suspected an infection around his AICD device but struggled to identify the specific culprit. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, the infection persisted, causing recurring discomfort and fever. Frustratingly, initial tests failed to pinpoint the exact pathogen responsible for his suffering.
After a brief period of apparent recovery following the cessation of antibiotics, the pastor’s symptoms resurfaced, prompting another hospital visit in Alabama. Finally, in the fall of 2020, doctors at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida decided to remove the AICD implant. It was during this procedure that they were able to identify the source of the infection: Brucella suis, a bacterium commonly found in pigs.
Brucella suis is one of several species of bacteria that cause brucellosis, a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from animals to humans. While brucellosis infections are rare in the United States, they can be severe and debilitating. The bacteria can be contracted through various routes, including consuming raw milk and cheese or direct contact with infected animals. In the pastor’s case, the doctors concluded that the gifted feral pig meat was the likely source of the infection.
Brucellosis poses a significant public health threat due to its potential for aerosolization, making it highly contagious. In the past, Brucella bacteria were classified as potential bioterror threats, emphasizing the seriousness of the infection. Although they have been removed from this list to facilitate research, the bacteria’s ability to cause chronic symptoms, such as arthritis and heart inflammation, should not be understated. Furthermore, diagnosing brucellosis can be challenging, as conventional tests may not always detect the infection, as evidenced by the misidentification of the bacteria in the pastor’s case.
The removal of the pastor’s infected AICD implant carried the risk of exposing the medical team to the bacteria. Fortunately, the risk of aerosolization was deemed low, and proper safety precautions were implemented. No other cases were reported among the staff.
Following the identification of Brucella suis, the pastor received the standard antibiotic treatment for brucellosis. The treatment proved successful, and after four months, a new AICD implant was placed. Three years later, he showed no signs of an active infection, marking a successful resolution to a potentially life-threatening ordeal.
The pastor’s case highlights the potential dangers associated with consuming feral pig meat, particularly in areas where these animals are prevalent. Feral pigs are a growing concern in many parts of the United States, including Florida, and their interaction with humans increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
The authors of the case report stress the importance of educating hunters and consumers of feral pig meat about the potential dangers of Brucella suis. They recommend using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when handling feral swine and thoroughly cooking all animal products before consumption.
While brucellosis remains rare in the U.S., the increasing presence of feral pigs necessitates increased awareness and preventative measures. Hunters and individuals who consume feral pig meat should take precautions to minimize the risk of contracting brucellosis. Thorough cooking of the meat is crucial to kill any bacteria that may be present. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, should be worn when handling raw meat to prevent direct contact with the bacteria.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that wild game, while often considered a delicacy, can harbor hidden dangers. By following safety precautions and staying informed about the potential risks, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases. Vigilance and education are critical to ensure that the consumption of feral pig meat remains a safe and enjoyable experience.
