Disease Prevention in Animal-Human Interactions: Urgent Policy Changes Needed
Regardless of how the COVID-19 pandemic started, it’s evident that deadly diseases can jump from animals to humans. A new report from Harvard Law School and New York University finds we’re not doing enough to prevent another animal-borne virus from becoming the next global pandemic.
The study examined common forms of animal-human interactions in 15 countries, including the United States, and identified numerous scenarios where viruses could make the leap. Researchers emphasized that simple policy changes could significantly reduce the risk of such disease crossovers.
The Focus on Preventative Measures
So far, efforts have largely concentrated on limiting damage after a pathogen has already jumped from animals and begun spreading among humans, such as Ebola in 2014, SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, and the bird flu, which is currently a threat. Ann Linder, the report’s lead author, highlighted that pathogens are incredibly tiny and can be highly contagious. “By the time you realize something is happening, the outbreak may have spread beyond containment,” she said.
Linder, associate director of policy and research at the Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School, stressed the need to shift our mindset towards preventative policy. “We can’t be chasing down these outbreaks after the fact,” she said.
Read More:Team USA Road to Paris Key Highlights of the 2024 Olympics
In the U.S. alone, the report flags the exotic pet trade, live animal markets, bat guano harvesting, guinea pig and ferret farming, coyote and fox urine production, roadside zoos, animal fighting, fur farming, commercial farming, and many other potentially dangerous settings.
“This is a global problem,” said Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, who was not involved in the research. Lipkin has long advocated for the closure of wet markets and the implementation of stringent safety procedures at research laboratories.
Increased Human-Animal Interactions Heighten Risks
So-called zoonotic diseases have always existed, with smallpox, HIV/AIDS, and the recent monkeypox outbreak as examples. Researchers believe they are becoming more common as human-animal interactions increase due to climate change, urban expansion, and global travel. “The more frequent such interactions are, the higher the risk of disease transmission,” said Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
The report highlights that these issues are not confined to distant lands. “We always think this must be happening elsewhere,” Kuchipudi said. “But we have similar activities right in our backyard. The risk exists regardless of geography and cultural practices.”
Industry Pushback and Necessary Policy Changes
Linder’s biggest concerns include industries that are “poorly regulated or not regulated at all.” The U.S. mink industry, for instance, is flagged for better regulation or elimination due to health risks. Mink farmers, however, argue that they adhere to strict biosecurity standards.
Lipkin described a research trip to Saudi Arabia to study the transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The virus was believed to be transmitted via camels, but high levels of viral material were found in slaughterhouses that did not use high-pressure hoses to clean the meat.
Inexpensive genetic analysis can quickly test wild or farmed animals for pathogens. People working closely with animals can also be tested for antibodies indicating previous infections.
The report proposes policy changes across 15 countries, including enhanced regulation of animal markets, improved public health protections, and support for sustainable agricultural practices. “We need to balance food security, economics, and the health Disease of animals and people,” said Kuchipudi.
Simple precautions, such as pasteurizing milk and milk products, careful processing of animals, and ensuring children wash their hands after visiting petting zoos, can make a significant difference. “Protecting our environment means protecting human and animal health,” Kuchipudi emphasized.
The concept of One Health, supported by Mercy for Animals, highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By protecting animals, we ultimately protect ourselves.
2 thoughts on “Strengthening Disease Prevention Urgent Policy Changes Needed”