Ebola: Professor Wants Nigerians To Consume Insects In Place Of Bush Meat

Prof. Chukwunenye Anene, on Tuesday advised Nigerians to
harness insects as alternative rich sources of protein to other sources of
protein or `bush meat’causing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Anene, who is the Dean,
Faculty of Natural Sciences in Anambra State University, gave the advice in an
interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Igbariam near Onitsha,
Anambra.

The don said that with targeted research it would be
possible to convert and harness some insects to produce rich protein for a very
large population. Anene, who is a Professor of Entomology and Insect Pest
Management, noted that it was regrettable that very delicious and well-known
sources of protein (animal meats) in Africa, especially West Africa, are today
dreaded by people.

“Insects should no longer be called pests but treated fairly
as food substances and alternative source of protein.

“And where the regular protein from meat is been jettisoned
by many, insect could as well replace these sources of protein for man.

“So there is a need for a co-ordinated research in this
direction since it had been found out that some insects, which are helpful to
man, have high protein content,’’ he said.

Anene, however, urged humans to stop the indiscriminate
killing of insects as they play vital role in the existence of man.

The don also advised to health workers not to subdue all
insects at the same time through their in-door and out-door non-selective
residual spraying as well as other unhealthy environmental practices.

Some Africans, especially those in the West Africa, have
stopped eating animal meat from the wild (bush meat), which is an available and
rich source of protein, due to the EVD traceable to some wild animals.

WHO has reported that the disease has claimed the lives of
about 2,500 people in the West African region since it broke-out in March.