The legal and illegal wildlife trade is fueling the global consumption of wildlife, leading to increased risks of zoonotic disease transmission and threatening biodiversity worldwide. To reduce the risks of the next pandemic, the root cause of zoonotic outbreaks must be confronted, including the commercial wildlife trade and the disruption of wild habitats and societies that depend on them.
The emergence of new and deadly zoonotic infectious diseases is inextricably linked to human exploitation of nature. The handling, shipment, confinement, and on-site slaughter of both domesticated and wild animals increases the interactions between humans and animals, creating myriad opportunities for pathogen transmission.
#EndtheTrade. OPS is working with the #EndTheTrade campaign to end the sale of live wildlife in animal markets, and eliminate the commercial trade in wildlife.
Reducing the consumer demand for wildlife. OPS supports WildAid and Freeland campaigns to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products like ivory and shark fin soup, support front-line defenders, and law enforcement.
Legislation. OPS is supporting local, state, and national legislation to address the commercial wildlife trade and live animal markets.
The Wildlife Trafficking and Trade Act, would prohibit the importation and possession of wild animals that pose a risk to human health or native wildlife. This bill would require a determination before any permits are issued that any species to be imported into, or possessed within, the state is non-detrimental to agriculture, native wildlife, and public health or safety. It also requires that such importation will not compromise the welfare of the animal as a result of importation, transportation, or possession. This bill would also prohibit a person who operates a live animal market from storing or selling an animal that is a known (or likely) invasive species or responsible for zoonotic transmission of a disease.
What you can do!
Sign the petition to #EndTheTrade and spread the word! Together, we can encourage the world’s governments to recognize that ending this trade is the most important decision that the global community can make to prevent future pandemics.
When traveling abroad, do not buy, sell, or consume wildlife.
Follow these everyday actions to help end the devastating cycle of supply and demand associated with the commercial wildlife trade.
Support legislation to protect wildlife, and more importantly, to keep it in the wild where it belongs.
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