Help Protect the Future of Wildlife and Help Prevent Pandemics
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM Ivy Collier, Animals & Society Institute
September 2020

More than three-quarters of human diseases are zoonotic, and most of these diseases come from wildlife…. New zoonotic diseases disproportionately affect impoverished communities and people of color….The causes of pandemics, including illegal wildlife trade, are also magnifying the impact of climate change.

caged Turtle
Caged Turtle

The threat we always knew was lurking in the background has arrived. As COVID-19 destroys lives and livelihoods around the world, researchers are racing to find both treatments and a vaccine.

At the same time, research on the origin of the coronavirus continues. At the core of our knowledge is the simple fact that if we don’t change our relationship with animals, outbreaks like COVID-19 will likely become more frequent, widespread and severe.

Research tells us:

  • More than three-quarters of human diseases are zoonotic, and most of these diseases come from wildlife.
  • New zoonotic diseases disproportionately affect impoverished communities and people of color.
  • The causes of pandemics, including illegal wildlife trade, are also magnifying the impact of climate change.

To help reduce the chances of new pandemics forming, we must rethink the relationship between animals and society. As the leading think tank in the study of human-animal intersections, ASI is conducting and disseminating research that will help understand the impact of human exploitation of potentially infected wild animals as a result of wildlife trade.

We need to act now if we are to build a safer future for societies and animals. Together—with you by our side—we can continue important research into the connection between how we treat animals in our society and how we can curb future pandemics.

Please give today to protect the future of wildlife and help prevent pandemics. Your donation of $25.00 or more will make our critical research around the world possible.

Thank you for caring so much about animals and for being a part of our ASI community. The health of all living beings around the world depends on you.

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