In the recent decades humans have adversely impacted the natural ecosystems and disrupted the balance in nature.. This has resulted in increased frequency and number of new zoonotic diseases, originating in animals. In the past years, we all have witnessed deadly pandemics including HIV/AIDS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), H1N1 etc. According to reports, around three to four new zoonotic diseases emerge every year.
The risk of zoonotic diseases is driven by two key factors globally:
1. The trade of high-risk live wild animals and their meat - Consumption of high-risk wildlife species, are increasing human exposure to animal pathogens. Globally, demand for wild meat is growing, as either a delicacy or a necessity, driving increased sale and consumption, and increasing the potential for exposure to diseases during high-risk sourcing, handling and preparation practices.
2. Unsustainable food systems driving the large-scale conversion of land for agriculture interactions between wildlife, livestock and humans. Land conversion is destroying and fragmenting forests and other natural habitats around the world. This problem is only set to worsen as the challenge of feeding a growing population increases and diets shift.
The recent COVID-19 crisis exemplifies the devastating costs of global pandemics. It is time to wake up and to make amends. We must forge a stronger and healthier relationship with the natural environment. Nature is the solution to build a safer, resilient and sustainable world.
