Unveiling the Truth About Hepatitis E and High Risk Groups

4. Animal Transmission of Hepatitis E

Researchers identified hepatitis E genotypes 3 and 4 in boar, deer, and pork meat, linking the transmission of the virus through food. This would most likely occur in sporadic cases involving contaminated, uncooked, or undercooked meat or organs. Individuals who handled, processed, and consumed deer meat account for a percentage of these HEV infections. There have been studies linking the transmission of HEV infections from domestic pigs to those who work with them occupationally. Researchers say the human and swine strains of HEV are closely related. Shellfish and rodents in some areas may also be capable of HEV transmission. But researchers also found other animal species that carry anti-HEV antibodies, including cows, horses, sheep, rabbits, and avian species.