Animals of all shapes and sizes can be found in the wild, but some are more dangerous than others.
Many species of animals are known to carry harmful diseases and are considered inedible. In this article, we will explore some of the most common disease-carrying and inedible animals found in the wild.
These animals should either be avoided or very well researched on how to detect the disease and/or diffuse it.
Here’s our list of animals that carry diseases.
9 Animals That Carry Diseases
Here are animals that we’ve found to contain a higher volume of diseases than normal and should be avoided if possible.
Many animals simply don’t live in clean environments and don’t have a sanitary diet, so it’s best to steer clear of them or at least be more cautious when eating them.
1. Bats
Bats are another type of animal that is known to carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, histoplasmosis, and bat lyssavirus.
Bats are found throughout the world, and it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with these animals. If you come into contact with a bat, it is best to contact your local wildlife authorities for advice.
2. Raccoons
Raccoons are a common species of mammal found in the United States and Canada. These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, and roundworm.
If you come into contact with a raccoon, it is important to be aware of the possible risks associated with contact with the animal.
3. Opposums
Opossums are a species of marsupial found throughout the United States and Canada.These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including leptospirosis, raccoon roundworm, and other illnesses.
If you come into contact with an opossum, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with the animal.
By the way, if you have detected no diseases and want to cook some possums, here are some recipes.
4. Wild Hogs
Wild hogs are a species of wild pig found throughout the United States and Canada.
These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, and trichinosis. If you come into contact with a wild hog, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with the animal.
5. Coyotes
Coyotes are a species of wild canine found throughout the United States and Canada. These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, canine distemper, and parvovirus.
If you come into contact with a coyote, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with the animal.
6. Skunks
Skunks are a species of mammal found throughout the United States and Canada. These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, canine distemper, and leptospirosis.
If you come into contact with a skunk, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with the animal.
To learn how to eat skunk, click here.
7. Snakes
Snakes are a species of reptile found throughout the world. These animals are known to carry a variety of diseases, including salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rabies.
If you come into contact with a snake, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with contact with the animal.
Here is a list of snake-repellent plants you should know.
8. Rats
Rats are another common animal that carries disease and is inedible. Rats are known to spread the bacteria that cause bubonic plague, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.
They can also bring fleas, lice, and ticks into your home, which can spread other diseases. Rats are not generally eaten, although it is possible to eat some species in some cultures.
9. Frogs
Frogs can carry a variety of diseases, including ranavirus and chytrid fungus.
These diseases can be passed to humans through contact with the animal or its feces. Frog meat is generally considered safe to eat, although it is best to cook it thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.
How to Detect Diseases in Animals
Eating an animal that is infected with a disease can be a dangerous and life-threatening experience. It is important to know how to detect diseases in an animal before eating it.
The first step in detecting diseases in an animal before eating it is to check the animal for signs of illness. This can include looking for physical signs such as coughing, sneezing, or labored breathing, or examining the animal’s eyes, ears, and skin for any signs of infection.
If the animal appears to be unwell, it is best to avoid eating it. In addition to physical signs, it is also important to be aware of the animal’s behavior. Animals infected with certain diseases may exhibit changes in behavior, such as lethargy or aggression.
They may also show signs of depression or lack of appetite. If any of these behaviors are observed, it is best to avoid eating the animal.
The second step in detecting diseases in an animal before eating it is to check the animal’s food and water. This can be done by looking for signs of contamination such as visible mold or changes in color or smell.
It is important to also check for any foreign objects in the food or water, as these can be a sign of contamination. This can be difficult sometimes, but if it’s a rodent in a city, for example, you can make a reasonable assumption that its main food source is garbage.
The third step in detecting diseases in an animal before eating it is to check for parasites and other parasites. This can be done by examining the animal for signs such as skin lesions, abnormal lumps or bumps, or changes in the fur or feathers.
It is important to look for these signs before consuming the animal, as they can be a sign of infection or disease.
These are the three steps in detecting diseases in an animal before eating it. It is important to remember that eating an animal that is infected with a disease can be a dangerous and life-threatening experience.
It is best to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the animal is safe to eat, like cooking it and carving out certain organs.
Preparing & Cooking The Animal
Cooking and cleaning an animal before eating it is an important part of food safety and hygiene. Eating an animal that has not been properly prepared can lead to serious health issues, and in some cases, even death.
Knowing how to properly prepare and cook an animal before consuming it is essential to ensure that your food is safe and free from harmful bacteria.
Preparing The Animal
The first step in preparing an animal for consumption is to properly clean it. Start by removing the fur, feathers, or scales from the animal, depending on the type of animal.
This can be done by using a sharp knife or scissors. Make sure to wear gloves when handling any sharp instruments and to be very careful when cutting the animal.
After you have removed the fur, feathers, or scales, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the animal. Once the animal is cleaned, you can move onto the next step of preparing it for cooking.
Depending on the type of animal, you may need to gut and clean the internal organs of the animal, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and heart.
It is important to be very careful when gutting and cleaning the internal organs, as any bacteria on the organs can be dangerous if consumed. If you are unfamiliar with gutting and cleaning internal organs, it is best to seek out the help of a professional.
Cooking the Animal
Once the animal has been cleaned and gutted, it is now ready to be cooked. The type of cooking method will depend on the type of animal you are preparing. Generally, the best way to cook an animal is by roasting, baking, boiling, or frying.
When roasting, start by preheating the oven to the temperature suggested for the type of animal you are cooking. If you are unsure of the correct temperature, it is best to consult a cookbook or online source.
Once the oven is preheated, place the animal on a roasting tray and place it in the oven. Make sure to baste the animal with oil or butter during the cooking process to ensure that it does not dry out.
Roast the animal for the instructed time, or until the internal temperature of the animal is at least 145°F.
When baking, preheat the oven to 350°F and then place the animal on a baking sheet. Bake the animal for approximately one hour, or until the internal temperature of the animal is at least 145°F.
When boiling, place the animal in a large pot of cold water and bring to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the animal for approximately one hour, or until the internal temperature of the animal is at least 145°F.
When frying, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the animal in the skillet and fry for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the animal is at least 145°F.
It is important to remember that the cooking times and temperatures outlined above are only a guideline, and the exact time and temperature may vary depending on the type of animal and the size of the cut of meat.
To ensure that the animal is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the animal before eating.
Final Words
It’s better to be safe than sorry. We hope you liked the list of animals that carry diseases, and hopefully you’ll avoid them or at least be extra cautious of them.
It’s always best practice to check if the animal is unwell and, once that’s been checked, prepare and cook it well. This is to avoid any animal-to-human diseases that kill millions in the world every year.
We hope you liked this article, and if you have any other animals that you think we missed out on, give a comment down below and let up know.
Please consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, consider sharing this content and subscribing to get 100+ free survival ebooks.
