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1 1 (February 19, 2021)

handle is hein.crs/govechg0001 and id is 1 raw text is: ft at thn~ tid ~ 1 Updated February 19,2021 Wildlife Trade, COVID-19, and Other Zoonotic Diseases Introduction Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causedby a novel virus: the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized it as apandemic, reportedly spread to more than 223 countries or territories. 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 found in China. WHO scientists hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 possibly transmitted to humans directly from bats or through an intermediate species or perishable wildlife product as sociated with a wet market (a market that sells live animals and perishable goods) in China. SARS-CoV-2, like most coronaviruses, is zoonotic, meaning it is derived fromviruses, bacteria, andother pathogens that are transmitted between animals and humans. Transmission ofzoonotic diseases (i.e., zoonoses) is reportedly facilitatedby activities suchas 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 ofseveralzoonotic viruses that are likely linked to this trade, which brings humans and wild animals in close proximity. The trade increases theriskof virus transmis sion 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 congressionalinterest 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 s ource, increase surveillance of emerging zoonotic diseases, increase oversight of the legal wildlife trade, and increasemeasures to reduce the illegal wildlife trade. Zoonotic Diseases and EIDs Most emerginginfectious diseases (EIDs) originatein animals and involve interactions between wildlife, livestock, and people. Changing land-usepractices (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, severalhigh-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 fromwildlife, such as bats, and were transmitted to humans via intermediary ho sts, 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 201 9-SARS-CoV-2: The virus is identified in bats and other species, including mink and pangolins (i.e., scaly anteater). An intermediate host species that might be in the wildlife trade my have transmitted the virus to humans. 2002-2003-SARS-CoV: Scientists identified the virus in horseshoe bats, civets, and other aninals sold in wildlife nrkets in China. Civets are thought to have transmitted the virus to humans. 2014-2016 and 2018-2020-Ebola Virus: Ebola in humans can be traced to the handling and consumption of infected wildlife carcasses, especially apes. Bushmeat (meat from wild African animals) trade is linked to Ebola. 2004-2014-Simian Foamy Virus and Herpesvirus: Illegal bushmeat entering the United States showed evidence of zoonotic retroviruses that could trnsfer to humans. Wildlife Trade and T rafficking 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 localbartering to formalcommercial-sized national and international markets facilitated by organized criminal groups. Demand for products, such as traditional medicines, pets, food, and decorations, oftenexceed legal supply, contributing to the illegaltrade. 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 widlife 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 increasehuman 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 thathumans who frequent open wildlife markets may increase their risk of contracting zoonotic diseases because oftheir exposure to wild animals. In addition, the markets bring together animals that may carry diseases fromdifferent 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. ttps://crsreports.congress 9

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