75% of new or emerging infectious diseases affecting human health originate in animals, principally in wildlife (e.g. SARS, Ebola, and now COVID-19).
- To stop the spread of zoonotic diseases and prevent future pandemics.
- To protect millions of animals from the cruelest forms of suffering.
- To prevent species extinction and protect biodiversity.
The wildlife trade and wildlife markets played a significant role in the COVID-19 and other outbreaks like SARS. The crowded, unsanitary and stressful conditions in which the animals are traded and kept in provides the ideal environment for the emergence and spread of infectious diseases which can then be transmitted to humans.
Photo credit: Aaron Gekoski for World Animal Protection
More than 5,500 wild animal species are currently in the trade. The diverse array of animals, many of which would never encounter each other in the wild or come in close proximity to humans.
The current pandemic and previous major epidemics around the world are fundamentally linked to our poor treatment and exploitation of wild animals and our encroachment on their habitats.
Millions of wild animals are captured, bred and traded every year across the globe for food, traditional medicine and pets. Animal suffering occurs and zoonotic diseases can be spread at every stage of the trade.
Preventing the next pandemic
Watch our virtual Parliamentary reception
In March 2021, World Animal Protection hosted a virtual parliamentary reception to demonstrate the strong scientific evidence and Canadian and MP support for curbing the commercial wildlife trade.
The event featured leading infectious disease experts and demonstrated the strong scientific evidence and support from the public and MPs across Canada’s four main national political parties for controlling the wildlife trade. Click below to watch:

Global problems require global solutions
Every country has been impacted by COVID-19 and should do everything they can to prevent this from ever happening again. Shutting down wildlife markets and curbing the wildlife trade is the most effective way to prevent future pandemics and now is the time to act.