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Review
On our table, bullfrog is a mouth-watering delicacy with a unique taste that will make you linger. However, the hidden problem of bullfrogs is no longer the parasites that cause us to be a little worried, but there are more threats, which may make us have to go to the hospital after a feast. Today we will tell the story of the bullfrog.
Ugly but delicious
The name bullfrog sounds a bit dull, and they don't look very appealing either. They are generally green or brown in color, with yellow or white bellies, large, convex eyes, a broad, flat mouth, strong hind legs, and webbed toes.
Male bullfrogs are smaller than females, and the throat is a golden yellow. With a body length of up to 20 centimeters and a weight of up to 1.5 kilograms, bullfrogs are the largest amphibians in North America.
They are semi-aquatic animals and prefer to live in still or slow-moving freshwater, such as ponds, swamps, lakes or streams.
They need to have enough aquatic weeds to provide cover and protection, but interestingly, their babies, tadpoles, prefer waters where there are no aquatic weeds. Because aquatic weeds can prevent them from breathing and swimming.
Bullfrogs are omnivores and dare to eat anything. Young bullfrogs, also known as tadpoles, feed mainly on aquatic plants, algae and organic detritus, and sometimes steal eggs or larvae from other animals.
When they grow up, adult bullfrogs eat a wider range, not only snakes and small mammals on the menu, but even frogs of the same kind or other species, what they can eat depends on how big their mouths can open!
When it comes to reproduction, bullfrogs are also very powerful. They are not divided into spring, summer, autumn and winter, as long as the temperature and humidity are suitable, they can be done at any time. Female bullfrogs can lay tens of thousands of eggs at a time, which float on the surface of the water or can sink to the bottom.
The hatching time of the eggs is quite short, only a few days, but it takes a considerable amount of time for young tadpoles to grow into frogs. This period can be as short as a few months or as long as several years, depending on the environmental conditions.
The bullfrog's call is low, purring like the low moo of a bull, and it is because of this sound that they got their name. Moreover, the call of bullfrogs can be transmitted far away, and it is said that it can reach as far as 400 meters.
Most of these calls are used to attract mates or warn other frogs, and male bullfrogs will use their calls to fight for territory or attract females, and sometimes even get into physical fights.
Despite their unpleasant appearance and voice, bullfrogs are loved for their meat. The meat of bullfrogs is tender and juicy, rich in various nutrients, and is very good for the body.
Bullfrog meat is cooked in a variety of ways and turns into a variety of delicacies on the table. Bullfrog meat has many consumers all over the world, especially in Asia and Europe, and it is considered a good meat choice, and in some places it is even regarded as a rare ingredient.
The bullfrog, which doesn't look great but is delicious, has its place on the global table. But behind this consumption lies the risk of far exceeding expectations. From environmental impact to food safety, the farming and consumption of bullfrogs raises many deep-seated issues.
Delicious but dangerous
Although the delicious taste of bullfrog is widely recognized, the hidden food safety issues behind it cannot be ignored. Scientific studies have shown that bullfrogs may carry up to 129 different parasites, some of which pose a serious threat to human health.
In order to prevent disease and promote growth, farms may overuse antibiotics and veterinary drugs. These drugs remain on the bullfrog and end up on the consumer's table.
Excessive use of this drug not only poses a threat to human health, but can also lead to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, further increasing the risk to public health.
Parasites on bullfrogs are a potential killer, they can parasitize various organs of the human body, and even cause serious consequences such as hemorrhage, necrosis, and blindness.
The most dangerous of these is a parasite called Schizocephalus, which can enter the human body through the meat or internal organs of bullfrogs, and then invade various parts of the human body, causing severe pain, infection, and other symptoms. If left untreated, Schizocephalus can also cause death.
According to statistics, more than 10 million people worldwide are infected with Schizocephalus every year, and about 5,000 of them die. China is a high-risk region for Schizocephalus, with hundreds of people becoming infected each year from eating undercooked bullfrogs, some of whom have lost their lives.
In addition to parasites, bullfrog meat may contain excessive amounts of veterinary drugs and antibiotic residues, which can also cause adverse effects on human health. These drugs are used to combat diseases and promote growth in bullfrogs, but their use is not strictly regulated and controlled, resulting in residues of drugs in bullfrogs that exceed safe standards.
When these drugs enter the body, they may disrupt the balance of microflora, interfere with hormone levels, induce allergic reactions, and even damage organs such as the liver and kidneys. In addition, overuse of veterinary drugs and antibiotics can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance in the environment, making certain infectious diseases difficult to treat and increasing public health risks.
Therefore, the consumption of bullfrogs carries a significant risk and may pose a serious health threat. In order to protect food safety and health, we need to take a holistic look at bullfrog farming and consumption, and choose responsible and sustainable methods.
It is necessary to avoid buying and eating bullfrogs that are wild or of unknown origin. At the same time, cook bullfrogs with meat and offal well cooked to ensure that potential parasites and bacteria are killed. It is also important to reduce the frequency and amount of bullfrog consumption and seek medical attention in a timely manner just in case.
epilogue
It is essential for each of us to be aware of the existence of these problems. Avoid eating undercooked bullfrogs or bullfrogs of unknown origin, pay attention to hygiene and adequate cooking during cooking, reduce the frequency and quantity of consumption, and seek medical attention in time to deal with possible risks. Only in this way can we enjoy delicious food while protecting our own health and safety.
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