WHO URGES COUNTRIES HALT WILD MAMMALS SALE
The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have called for countries to suspend sales of live wild mammals in traditional food markets, also known as “wet markets,” in efforts to prevent the emergence of new deadly diseases, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The interim guidance is aimed at reducing public health risks associated with these transactions as most emerging infectious diseases have wildlife origins.
“Globally, traditional markets play a central role in providing food and livelihoods for large populations. Banning the sale of these animals can protect people’s health — both those working there and those shopping there,” they said.
The temporary guidelines were issued by WHO alongside the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
They said animals, particularly wild animals, are the source of more than 70 percent of all emerging infectious diseases in humans, many of which are caused by novel viruses. Wild mammals sold in markets pose particular risk as there is no way to check if they carry dangerous viruses.
“Traditional markets, where live animals are held, slaughtered and dressed, pose a particular risk for pathogen transmission to workers and customers alike,” the guidance stated.
The partners noted that some of the earliest known cases of Covid-19, which is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, were linked to a traditional food market in Wuhan, China. Many of the first people to have the disease were stall owners, market employees or regular visitors.
“It is likely that the virus that causes Covid-19 originated in wild animals, as it belongs to a group of coronaviruses normally found in bats,” they said.