Biologist Maria Vorontsova said that the ban on trade in wild animals would reduce the risk of new pandemics.
According to her, China and Vietnam have already introduced appropriate restrictions due to the epidemiological situation. In addition, the petition to ban the world trade in animals, launched by the Greenpeace branch in Russia, has already gained more than 50 thousand signatures and was sent to the presidential administration.
“We have always known that when there is a trade in apes, great or common, there is a risk of disease transmission. They are very close to us and we have a lot of common diseases. HIV, for example, jumped from green monkeys to humans in the early 20th century. Monkeys suffer from tuberculosis, and they have hepatitis. Let’s not forget about Ebola, of course. According to scientists’ estimates, 60-70 different types of viruses live on each mammal, “RIA Novosti quoted her on Sunday, November 29.
Vorontsova also noted that the transmission of infections that can cause a pandemic is associated with a reduction in the habitat of animals. According to the expert, the clearing of palm plantations in Indonesia has led to the fact that orangutans began to walk along the roads.
“This is an example of the disappearance of the habitat and the potential for human contact with animals and the likelihood of catching something,” Vorontsova stressed.
On November 26, a WHO expert said that a new type of coronavirus was most likely transmitted to humans through an intermediate animal or several of their species, to which the disease was able to adapt.