In a message dated 7/31/98 3:02:28 PM EST, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<< Since we (todays humans) are the only surviving humanoid branch,
 the conclusion would be that meats of animals prone to parasitic infections
 could never have played a big role in nutrition.
  >>
For several thousand years, at least, groups of people have known to avoid
pork, presumably because of trichinosis, and shellfish, presumably because of
bacterial and or viral infestations that these foodstuffs commonly
causeCultural dietary practices have served to incorporate this preventive
practice.