Pathogenic Foodborne Bacteria in the Game Meat of Hunted Large Ungulates—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Zoonotic bacterial pathogens are a major concern for food safety, yet information regarding their occurrence in game meat remains fragmented. This systematic review synthesizes available data on Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria spp., Yersinia spp., and Campylobacter spp. in game meat from hunted wild ungulates. Relevant studies published between 2004 and 2024 were identified through structured database searches and screened using predefined criteria. Data on host species, diagnostic methods, prevalence estimates, isolate characterization, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were extracted. Pooled prevalence estimates were determined, stratified by detection methods (culture-based and PCR-based) and animal groups (suids and ruminants). A total of 46 publications (170 studies; 223 prevalence estimates) were included. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the studies. PCR-based methods yielded higher detection rates than culture, though the magnitude of the difference varied between pathogens. Pathogen occurrence was generally higher in meat from suids, except for STEC, which was more prevalent in the game meat of ruminants. Although many strains appeared to have lower pathogenic potential compared with those typically implicated in human disease, the presence of specific virulence-associated genes, serogroups, and sequence types linked to human infections indicates that game meat may act as a potential source of infection. AMR was reported in a limited number of studies. Overall, this review highlights substantial methodological variability and important data gaps, particularly regarding virulence-associated genes, genomic characterization, and AMR. More comprehensive studies spanning a broader range of ecological and production contexts are needed to strengthen the evidence base for the microbiological safety of game meat.