Environmental and Behavioral Drivers of Bacterial Contamination in Smoked Bushmeat from Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for Food Safety and Public Health

Abstract

Bushmeat, especially smoked bushmeat, plays a vital role in food security and livelihoods across Africa, including Nigeria, due to its affordability, cultural significance, and extended shelf life. However, the trade and consumption of bushmeat raise significant public health concerns. This study assessed bacterial contamination and vendor hygiene practices associated with smoked bushmeat sold in selected markets of Southwestern Nigeria. Samples of smoked carcasses of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Maxwelli Duiker (Philantomba maxwellii) were analyzed for bacterial load, species diversity, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles to quantify microbial contamination and characterize potential public health risks. Concurrently, knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices of bushmeat vendors were evaluated to identify behavioral and environmental contributors to contamination. Results revealed significant bacterial loads, with Escherichia coli 24 (22.2%) being the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 18 (16.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus 17 (15.7%), while Salmonella spp. 2 (1.9%) was the least occurring. All bacterial isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. Despite vendors’ good knowledge (78.7%) and positive attitudes (69.4%) towards food safety, hygiene practices were predominantly poor (66.7%), characterized by inadequate utensil sanitation, unsafe processing and handling of bushmeat for sale, and absence of effective environmental health monitoring. These findings expose a critical gap between awareness and practice, compounded by unsanitary market conditions that facilitated microbial contamination. The study emphasizes the need for integrated interventions targeting microbial hazards and behavioral factors to improve food safety and public health outcomes. This work links microbiological data with environmental and behavioral insights, offering a comprehensive perspective on bushmeat safety, providing evidence for effective risk assessment and control strategies.