US Bushmeat Found with HIV-like Virus

Scientists testing bushmeat smuggled into the US have found strains of a virus of the same family of HIV, according to preliminary findings to be released Wednesday.

The scientists found two strains of the simian foamy virus, commonly found in nonhuman primates, from three species, two mangabeys and a chimpanzee, reports wsj.com.

The virus can infect humans but has not been conclusively linked to known diseases, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Bushmeat from certain animals such as bats, monkeys and rodents, was imported from West Africa is believed to contain diseases such as monkey pox, the virus that causes SARS, and retroviruses such as HIV.

Bushmeat, often cured or smoked, enters the US through the mail and in shipping containers.