(June 08, 2020) The hunting, trade and consumption of wild meat, or bushmeat, in Central Africa is a past, current and potential future zoonotic disease risk. Pathogens that have spread to humans from bushmeat include HIV, simian foamy virus, monkeypox virus, Ebola viruses, anthrax, herpesviruses, retroviruses and paramyxoviruses. Although zoonotic disease transmission can occur at any point along the bushmeat supply chain, from hunting in the forest to the point of consumption, markets in large urban areas are...

READ THE STORY

(May 27, 2020) Watch our Wildlife Health Programme at work in Republic of Congo communities to set up an early warning system and minimize the risk of transmission of diseases such as Ebola to local populations. Read more about the important work to help prevent zoonotic virus epidemics and pandemics being done by veterinarian Dr. Alain Ondzie and his team in this blog 

READ THE STORY

(May 26, 2020) Degradation of ecological systems has significantly increased the overall risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks in addition to having other complex effects on human health.WCS scientists have published a special new report:  "Links between ecological integrity, emerging infectious diseases originating from wildlife, and other aspects of human health - an overview of the literature"The report draws on detailed case studies, global analyses, modelling, and broad expert consen...

READ THE STORY

(May 12, 2020) This week in The Lancet, Christian Walzer of the WCS Health Program and others emphasized:  "The health of our planet hinges on the symbiotic relationship between humans, animals and the environment." Calling For a COVID-19 One Health Research Coalition.

READ THE STORY

(May 12, 2020) Wildlife is openly traded in markets across Lao PDR, posing a risk for the spillover and spread of emerging zoonotic pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. In order to reduce the risks to public health, economies and biodiversity, we need to end trade in wild animals and support stronger enforcement and legislation, as is being proposed by neighboring Vietnam and China. Read More in this Op-Ed from the Laotian Times. 

READ THE STORY