Animals cause over 70% of emerging infectious diseases in humans -WHO

Animals cause over 70% of emerging infectious diseases in humans -WHO

The World Health Organisation on Tuesday called for a halt to the sale of live wild mammals in food markets to prevent the emergence of new diseases.

The WHO said that while traditional markets play a central role in providing food and livelihoods for large populations, banning the sale of live wild mammals could protect the health of market workers and shoppers alike.

It said some of the earliest known cases of Covid-19 had a link to a wholesale traditional food market in Wuhan in China, with many of the initial patients stall owners, market employees or regular visitors to the market.

The interim guidance was drawn up alongside the World Organisation for Animal Health and the United Nations Environment Programme.

“The guidance calls on countries to suspend the sale of captured live wild mammals in food markets as an emergency measure,” the WHO 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, in particular, pose a risk for the emergence of new diseases,” it said.

“Traditional markets, where live animals are held, slaughtered and dressed, pose a particular risk for pathogen transmission to workers and customers alike,” said the guidance.

It also called on governments to close sections of food markets selling live wild mammals unless adequate risk assessments were in place.

Written By:Agency

Source: Punch

Read More+:https://healthwise.punchng.com/animals-cause-over-70-of-emerging-infectious-diseases-in-humans-who/

Related post

Scientists Unveil New Antibiotic to Combat Drug-Resistant Superbugs

Scientists Unveil New Antibiotic to Combat Drug-Resistant Superbugs

In a significant advancement, a modified darobactin compound has shown promise in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections in animal models, offering a…
Nigeria Partners With China To Tackle Climate Change

Nigeria Partners With China To Tackle Climate Change

Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People’s Republic of China, aimed to adopt and accelerate climate…
FG committed to economic reforms, poverty alleviation-Wale Edun

FG committed to economic reforms, poverty alleviation-Wale Edun

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have laid the foundation for local investments…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *