Name
Hidden Risks: Zoonotic Disease and Exotic Animals
Date & Time
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Scott Weese
Description

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we can no longer afford to ignore the fact that 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. 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases over the past decade originated from animals and principally from wildlife. Canada fuels the supply and demand for wild animals and wild animal products. In 2019 alone, Canada imported 320,081 wild animals. Over 75% of animals imported are not subject to any import restrictions, including health screening, and approximately 80% of imported wild animals were destined for the exotic pet industry. Furthermore, the Canadian demand for animal products and parts outsources the risk of disease emergence to other countries where the products and parts are being produced. As the health and welfare of animals, our environment and people are interconnected, a holistic One Health approach needs to be adapted to prevent future outbreaks.

Key Learnings :

1. Zoonotic diseases are common in exotic pets and pose a risk to human health.
2. How the keeping and trading of exotic pets contributes to zoonotic disease emergence.
3. Why a precautionary regulatory approach is needed to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks.

 

Session Type
Presentation
Stage
Stage 2 LIVE