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| Unregulated wet markets may have given rise to this coronavirus pandemic. |
Wet markets are prominent in many Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and mainland China. They are so named because of melted ice use to preserve goods. And, also because of its use to wash the floor covered with slaughtered animal's blood. Basically, a wet market sells fruits and vegetables, aquatic animals, poultry, meat and even live wild animals.
The virus which has caused this coronavirus pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, most likely originated from Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. This is a virus which is naturally found in bats. And, according to researches, this virus may have made a jump from bats to another wild animal, the heavily-trafficked pangolin. And then, from pangolin to humans. However, more researches need to be done before making any conclusions.
Why Are These Animals Sold?
These animals are used as a source of food, as traditional medicine, for scientific researches, as pets and for clothes and ornaments.
How are Illegal Wild Animals Brought to Wet Markets for Sale?
The wild animals are poached from their natural habitat, and then trafficked to dealers, who then sell it to their customers. The customers are people running meat markets, researchers and people who keep them as pets. The dealers may have brought these animals legally or by trafficking, but customers do not necessarily know how they are brought. If these animals are brought illegally, then the dealers make sure that they have proper paperwork through corrupt officials.
Why Are Wet Markets Dangerous?
In wet markets, animals are often stacked in cages one on top of another. These animals shed viruses through their excretions, such as saliva, urine, feces. When stressed, they release more viruses in their excretions. This type of unregulated situation makes it easier for a virus from one animal to shift into another animal. When a virus makes a shift from its natural animal to a new one, then the new animal triggers a host reaction which is responsible for the illness. And, when exposed to newer environments, the virus may mutate and become more lethal.
Same is what happened in this COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, are supposed to naturally found in bats. They made a shift to another animal, possibly pangolin, where it mutated. And, then, again made a shift to humans, which started this disease. So, in wet markets, there is unsafe contact of animal excretions and viruses can be easily transmitted to other animals and humans.
In addition, most of the wet markets are unhygienic. Floors are splattered with animal fluids. Same cutting knives are used for different animals and are not frequently washed. All these things make these wet markets a 'ticking time bomb' for the next pandemic.
How is This Pandemic Related to Nature?
According to environment minister of Germany, Svenja Schulze, there is a potential link between this pandemic and destruction of nature. When natural habitats of animals are destroyed, and these animals are moved to unsafe locations, then chances of pandemics like these occuring are more likely. So, it is essential that more studies need to be done to fully understand the aetiology and avert the next pandemic.
According to Thomas Lovejoy, a biodiversity expert, man's exploitation of nature is what has led to this pandemic. Every year new viruses are being discovered due to this unregulated mixing of animals away from their natural habitat. And, all these viruses which were discovered had the potential to turn into a pandemic.
What Are the Consequences of This Pandemic?
For decades, idea of illegal wildlife trade was criticised solely for conservation purposes, and wasn't taken seriously. So, now, what we have is a global pandemic that has affected the entire planet! This pandemic has created a havoc in several areas notably human life, economy and raised questions related to biosecurity and public health. This isn't a petty issue. Governments across the world should seriously think about the situation which we have created at present.
Will a Ban on Wildlife Trade Help?
After the outbreak first appeared in Wuhan, Chinese officials quickly introduced a temporary ban on farming and consumption of wildlife. This ban is expected to be a law later this year.
However, even if China makes the ban permanent, wildlife trading may simply move to a new country, making the problem remain in the planet. So, the ban should not just be limited to China, but should be worldwide.
In addition, the ban has been enforced just for human consumption. This means, if someone says he is trading for other purposes, such as clothes, ornaments, or research, that would be termed legal. Thus, this incomplete ban will still allow wildlife industry to fluorish. And, risk of future pandemics will remain.
Besides, China is the biggest hub of wildlife market and its wildlife farming industry amounts to more than $70 billion annually, involving around 14 million people. So, a large-scale ban, though promising and applaudable, may not suffice to end the wildlife trade. There is still a worry that this ban could lead to increment in illegal trading of wildlife. It would just make the black markets rise and create a bigger problem. So, the change should be phased keeping in mind the long-term perspective. However, the ban could be a big step moving forward.
How to End Illegal Wildlife Trade?
To end this illegal wildlife trade, governments, animal campaigners, health officials all should come together under one roof and find a way to eradicate this syndicate which has led to this planetary crisis. Rules and regulations regarding import, export, sale should be strict. Trade monitoring should be emphasized.
These changes should not be limited to just one country. But, it should rather be a global concentrated effort.
Local community should actively involve in protecting these animals from poachers and traffickers. They should be taught about the importance of wildlife and their habitats and should work alongside security enforcers in protecting the wildlife.
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