How bad for humans is wildlife trade? A new study has answers
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A new study found that traded mammals are about 1.5 times as likely to be sources of human diseases than non-traded animals. The wildlife trade, including live animal markets and the illegal trade of endangered species, can facilitate the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, leading to outbreaks like COVID-19 and Ebola.
The wildlife trade has been linked to several disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola. A new study found that traded mammals are more likely to be sources of human diseases. The study analyzed data on over 2,000 traded species and found that 41% shared at least one pathogen with humans. Live animal markets and the illegal wildlife trade were identified as high-risk factors for disease transmission. The study's findings highlight the need for global action to prevent future outbreaks.
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