The coronavirus crisis, which is known to have a zoonotic foundation, raises crucial questions about how best to advance the pandemic and its many effects. Authorities around the world are currently evaluating the main political and economic assumptions and perceptions of what is possible and desirable.
Against the background of these analyzes, the fragility and interconnection of our socio-economic network is recognized, and given the concern that animals may serve as vectors of disease, it would be advisable to make a more in-depth review of how animal welfare is fundamental for the future of our economic, environmental and physical health.
Policies and paths
Science tells us that if the next lethal pathogens are viral or bacterial, humans will likely get them by consuming animals, and the terrifying truth is that we are exacerbating both threats.
There are millions of viruses inside animals that we humans are unaware of until we make contact with them or simply consume them. We do not have vaccines or treatments for practically any of these viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.
Contemporary slaughterhouses are dangerous to workers, as well as being fatal horror shows for animals.In this regard, there are many important policies and pathways to take seriously the presence and welfare of animals that are worth considering, starting with curbing the trade in exotic animals.
Millions of animals, from snakes to turtles and monkeys, are taken out of their natural habitat and shipped across borders to be used as pets, for entertainment, consumption and research.
Health concept
Much of this is currently legal, despite the risks of zoonotic virus transmission (from animals to humans). The risks are too high and the healthcare landscape too tense for this to continue. It has never been good for animals, and it is not safe for us, so stronger restrictions are required.
Similarly, we must face the dangers of industrial livestock farming. It is time for bolder public policy that fosters more sustainable and safer forms of food production. This will involve the private sector, but also leadership and public and labor investment.
We do not have vaccines or treatments for practically any of these viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.In recent weeks it has been unequivocally clear that contemporary slaughterhouses are dangerous to workers, as well as being fatal horror shows for animals.
Finally, recognizing that human, animal and environmental health are intrinsically connected, we should embrace the concept of health as an idea that figures in our personal consumption choices, as well as in our political decisions.
In education, law enforcement, food, health care services and all other sectors, health should be at the center of thoughtful, responsive and proactive policy and practice formulation.
Ultimately, the crisis we are going through shows that we must take seriously the welfare of animals, which deserve better. After what has been experienced in recent months, it is clear that a simple return to the status quo is not only unfair, but also dangerous.
Reference: Coronavirus shows we must get serious about the well-being of animals. The Conversation, 2020. https://bit.ly/2WY8exq
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