Wild Animal Trade Increases Zoonotic Disease Risk by 1.5 Times, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study published in the journal *Science* reveals a stark warning: the international trade of wild animals significantly elevates the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Researchers meticulously analyzed four decades of data on wild mammal trade, uncovering that species traded in international markets are 1.5 times more likely to share pathogens with humans compared to those not involved in trade. This finding underscores a critical link between human activity and the emergence of diseases that can jump from animals to people, a phenomenon that has become increasingly relevant in recent global health crises.

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International wildlife trade is a major driver of the transmission of animal pathogens to humans.

The study, led by Dr. Jeroen Gipet of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, highlights that the longer a species has been part of the wildlife trade, the greater the number of shared pathogens. On average, for every decade a species is traded, it gains an additional pathogen capable of infecting humans. This incremental increase in risk is particularly concerning given the vast scale of the global wildlife trade, which encompasses not only traditional uses like meat and fur but also the booming markets for exotic pets and laboratory animals. The research incorporated data from legal trade under CITES and records of illegal trade seizures, painting a comprehensive picture of the risks involved.

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Trading wild animals increases the likelihood of mammals becoming hosts for zoonotic diseases, and the longer a species has been traded, the more pathogens it shares with humans.

While previous outbreaks like HIV, Ebola, Mpox, and COVID-19 have already alerted us to the dangers of human-wildlife contact, this study provides robust quantitative evidence directly linking the *trade* itself to increased pathogen sharing. The implications are profound, suggesting that efforts to curb the emergence of future pandemics must include stringent regulations and enforcement against the international wildlife trade. As the study's authors emphasize, the danger often lies not just in direct hunting, but in the complex processes of capture, skinning, and transportation inherent in the trade, creating numerous opportunities for pathogens to spill over into human populations. This research serves as a crucial reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the urgent need to manage our interactions with wildlife responsibly.

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The problem is understanding that the infection starts in the process of someone hunting, skinning, and transporting the animal.