What's Happening?
A study published in Science reveals that wildlife trade significantly increases the risk of diseases that can infect humans. The research found that 41% of traded mammal species carry pathogens that infect humans, compared to 6.4% of non-traded species.
The longer a species remains in trade, the more pathogens it acquires, suggesting that trade amplifies disease risk over time. The study highlights the need for reducing wildlife trade to mitigate pandemic risks.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the role of wildlife trade as a major driver of disease emergence, alongside deforestation and climate change. By facilitating pathogen transmission between species, wildlife trade increases the likelihood of zoonotic diseases spilling over into human populations. This research calls for coordinated global efforts to regulate wildlife trade and integrate zoonotic disease risk considerations into existing frameworks. Addressing these risks is crucial for preventing future pandemics and protecting public health.
