Hawaii researcher developing test kit for wild pig disease that can sicken humans

Key Points:

• Hawaii Pacific University researchers, led by Assistant Biology Professor Jessica Jacob, are developing the first test kit for Hawaii hunters to detect Brucellosis, a bacterial infection common in the state's wild pigs that can infect humans.
• Brucellosis affects an estimated 10 to 25% of Hawaii's feral pigs and can cause flu-like symptoms and miscarriages in humans, typically transmitted through contact with infected fluids during butchering or consumption of undercooked meat.
• Experienced hunters emphasize the importance of safe handling and welcome the test kit, which would help hunters quickly determine if their harvest is infected and take appropriate precautions.
• Researchers recommend hunters wear gloves, face masks, and eye protection while butchering pigs and ensure pork is thoroughly cooked to prevent infection.
• Pending funding, the team aims to distribute test kits and protective gear to hunters by the end of the year, with rapid field-testing kits expected within two years to support both hunter safety and ongoing research.