A new initiative is underway in Honolulu to protect Hawaii’s hunters from a bacteria found in wild pigs, which can pose health risks to humans.
Jessica Jacob, a researcher and Assistant Biology Professor at Hawaii Pacific University, is leading a team to develop the first test kit for hunters in Hawaii. This kit aims to detect Brucellosis, a serious bacterial infection found in wild pigs that can make people ill.
Brucellosis was once common in U.S. agricultural animals but has been largely eradicated. However, it remains in wild animals. In Hawaii, the infection is more common among wild pigs than on the mainland, with estimates suggesting 10 to 25% of pigs may carry it.
The disease can pass from animals to humans, causing flu-like symptoms and potentially leading to miscarriages. Infection usually occurs through contact with infected fluids during butchering or by consuming undercooked meat.
Tyler Robinson, a veteran hunter, stresses the importance of safely handling harvested pigs. He notes a lack of testing options for hunters, highlighting the potential benefits of Jacob’s test kit for early detection and proper meat handling.
Jacob advises taking precautions when handling wild pigs, such as wearing gloves and cooking meat properly to prevent transmission. Although Brucellosis is serious, it is not immediately life-threatening.
Jacob’s team plans to distribute test kits and protective equipment by the end of the year, depending on funding. They hope to have diagnostic kits available for field testing within two years, aiming to support community safety and awareness among hunters.
