30. Risk analysis of game meat-borne hazards induced by hunting rifle bullets: intermediate report on German field studies

Abstract

Meat from wild game may contribute to alimentary lead exposure of consumers. Lead causes adverse effects to the human central nervous as well as cardiovascular/renal systems. Wild game is usually killed by shooting in the anterior body region, where the penetrating bullet damages vital structures and effectuates death. In the past, selection of bullet materials and construction has mostly been governed by cost and applicability to hunting practice, and lead has been a major compound in rifle bullets. The annual number of downed game animals in Germany exceeds 1.5 million for the species roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and fallow deer (Dama dama). In 2006 and 2010, the German federal and state governments launched extensive research programmes on the suitability of bullets for hunting, and for a better understanding of the terminal ballistics needed for quick, humane kills. Furthermore, in 2012 a research programme into the deposition of bullet material into marketable meat was launched by German federal and state governments in cooperation with the private sector (meat processors, vendors and ammunition manufacturers, and federal and state non-governmental organisations). The scope of this study (not yet completed) was to monitor the content of lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in marketable game meat and to determine which fractions are attributable to bullets and which to other environmental sources. Based on our initial results, we propose to use terminal ballistic data and computer tomography of ballistic test media to further understand the mechanisms of contamination of game meat via bullet material.

Effects of Animal, Climatic, Hunting and Handling Conditions on the Hygienic Characteristics of Hunted Roe Doer (Caprelous capreolus L.)

“…The ammunition caliber used was not able to affect carcass hygiene as the damage caused by the shot was limited. Other kinds of ammunitions could induce large damage to the carcass and a higher extent of contamination [ 32 , 33 ]. Carcass damages are usually considered a relevant source of contamination, not only for ammunition type but also the number of shots, their accuracy and eventual dog bites [ 34 , 35 ].…”