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Bushmeat trade,February 2005

There is increasing concern about the commercial trade in ‘bushmeat’ (the meat of wild animals) originating in West and Central Africa. Unsustainable levels of bushmeat hunting could threaten both wildlife populations and the people who depend on bushmeat for food or income. Of particular relevance to the UK are the implications of the trade for human and animal health through possible disease transmission.

This briefing summarises the causes and effects of the bushmeat trade, UK policy and remaining challenges.