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1 1 (April 6, 2020)

handle is hein.crs/govcqyx0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 01;0 , riE S .,-- ,-,-- , April 6, 2020 Wildlife Trade, COVID-19, and Other Zoonotic Diseases Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel virus: the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized it as a pandemic; the disease has reportedly spread to more than 180 countries. The origin of the COVID- 19 outbreak is not certain, though several studies have identified high genetic similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses found in bat species that are sold in some wet markets (markets that sell live animals and perishable goods) in China. SARS-CoV-2, like most coronaviruses, is zoonotic, meaning it is derived from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that are transmitted between animals and humans. Transmission of zoonotic diseases (i.e., zoonoses) is reportedly facilitated by activities such as land clearing, close human-animal contact (e.g., in live animal markets), hunting and consuming wild animals, and the wildlife trade. SARS-CoV-2 is one of several zoonotic viruses that are likely linked to this trade, which brings humans and wild animals in close proximity. The trade increases the risk of virus transmission between hosts that might not otherwise interact in nature, leading some scientists to contend that wildlife trade can exacerbate the spread of zoonoses. COVID- 19's health and economic toll may increase congressional interest in the relationship between wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases. Options for congressional action may include legislation and funding of programs to address zoonotic diseases at their source, increase surveillance of emerging zoonotic diseases, increase oversight of the legal wildlife trade, and increase measures to reduce the illegal wildlife trade. Zo\ukoboic h,,s-as - , a,,,d E.-' D. Most emerging infectious diseases (BIDs) originate in animals and involve interactions between wildlife, livestock, and people. Changing land-use practices (e.g., land cleared for development) play an increasingly important role in animal-to-human disease transmission. Scientists estimate that approximately 60% of EIDs are zoonotic and that approximately 72% originate from wildlife. Some scientists have identified tropical forests in Southeast Asia, Africa, and areas where land-use practices are altering native ecosystems as hotspots for future emerging zoonotic diseases. Since 2000, several high-profile zoonotic disease outbreaks have affected humans, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola Virus. Scientists assert that these viruses likely originated from wildlife, such as bats, and were transmitted to humans via intermediary hosts, such as civets, camels, and apes. Humans may have contracted these diseases, in part, through the wildlife trade, according to scientists. Zoonoses Associated with Wildlife Trade 2019-SARS-CoV-2: Scientists identified the virus in bats and similar versions of the virus in other animals, including pangolins (i.e., scaly anteater). Some scientists hypothesize that pangolins are intermediary hosts foi the virus and may have tiansmitted it to humans. Some pangolin products are legally sold in China; however, a large amount ar-e t-afficked. 2002-2003-SARS-CoV: Scientists identified the vi rus in horseshoe bats, civets, and other animals sold in wildlife markets in China. Civets aie thought to have tiansmitted the virus to humans. 2014-2016 and 201 8-2020-Ebola Virus: Ebola in humans can be traced to the handling and consumption of infected wildlife carcasses, especially apes. Bushmeat (meat fiom wild Afri can animals) tr-ade is linked to Ebola. 2004-20l 4-Simian Foamy Virus and Herpesvirus: Confiscated illeally impoited bushmeat entering the United States showed evidence of zoonotic retroviruses that could transfer to humans. W d.... 'lfra 'kmde ass \ k . Trade in wildlife, both legal and illegal, forms a vast economy and has contributed to outbreaks of some zoonotic diseases. Legal and illegal wildlife trade can range from small-scale local bartering to formal commercial-sized national and international markets facilitated by organized criminal groups. Demand for products, such as traditional medicines, pets, food, and decorations, often exceed legal supply, contributing to the illegal trade. Such demand is notably high in East Asia, where rising economic affluence has increased demand for products such as rhino horns and pangolin meat and scales. The illegal wildlife trade, also known as wildlife trafficking, is estimated to generate from $7 billion to more than $20 billion annually. Legal but poorly regulated trade in wildlife and human contact with wild animals can increase human exposure to zoonotic diseases. Some studies suggest that wet wildlife markets, which often comprise animals in tightly packed spaces, are potential locations for zoonotic disease transmission. Some scientists assert that humans who frequent open wildlife markets may increase their risk of contracting zoonotic diseases because of their exposure to wild animals. In addition, the markets bring together animals that may carry diseases from different ecosystems into one location, facilitating the spread of disease in a way that may not typically happen in nature. Several entities address the legal and illegal wildlife trade. .O 'T p\w -- , gnom goo mppm qq\ a , q 'S I 11LIANJILiN,

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