Rice Breast

Mike

Mike

Well-known member
Today was the next to last day of duck hunting in my local zone. The #'s of ducks in the area has dropped off dramatically in the past few weeks. I finished my evening hunt with a single hen Black Duck bagged and was happy for her sacrifice. Back at the house, I started to breast out the bird and found her to be infected with the "rice breast parasite". She was disected for pics, in case anyone here hasn't ever come across it before. This is only the second infected fowl I've ever shot (about a five year span between birds). But they were both Black Ducks from my general area here in Southern NJ. I'm told that if properly prepared, the parasite won't effect humans, but I played it on the safe side and discarded them both. Here's a few pics from my camera phone and a link about the parasite.


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http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/sarcocystis.html
 
Mike

Thanks for this article. My son and I each got a black duck this past Saturday. One of them had the exact same thing. I thought it was just and older bird and it was some fat modules or something. Glad I didn't eat them. We live in southern delaware.

Pete
 
According to the "experts" the parasite has no affect on humans. Use common sense in cooking the meat to the correct temperatures. It is no more dangerous than trichonosis from pork. Just cook thoroughly. Thats for those who leave the skin on who would not necessarily see the parasite. I would probably discard the meat too. Since I too breast out most birds and it just looks nasty. :)
 
Interesting on the reports of rice in Black's. I've also shot a Black which had rice breast, about 2yrs ago. The same year I shot a mallard that had it. I did the same and discarded the meat. It's a shame to toss it and despite what they say about cooking it properly, I'm not taking the chance.
 
Looks yummy, Not! I've seen the same here mostly black ducks and on occasion Mallards. I couldn't eat them either, it's knowing it's a parasite that bumps me.

For what it's worth it looks like you made a great shot-- not a pellet in the breast.
 
I used to discard the meat also, but then I had a hunting buddy who not only chastised me thoroughly for doing so (something along the lines of "you might as well be stomping them into the marsh"), but also cooked some that had the rice breast and proved that not only is it harmless, but the rice "grains" become translucent when cooked, so you can hardly see them, even when you look for them. I now treat the meat just like any other, and no longer waste it. See this for more info: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/sarcocystis.html Alex.
 
Jack, always take the head shot when you have one. Thanks for noticeing.

Alex, I'd be damned if I let someone belittle me into eating foul fowl! BTW, I posted that same link above.
 
hey, if you pick and roast, rather than breast, chances are that you have already eaten something with that little bit of extra protein!!
 
Ever eaten a hot dog? If so, then you have eaten worse than this little ol' parasite. Plus it gives your immune system something to do. That which does not kill you only serves to make you stronger. Alex
 
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