Study Links Duration in Wildlife Trade to Increased Pathogen Sharing with Humans

A new study published on Thursday in the journal Science examined the relationship between wildlife trade and pathogen sharing between animals and humans. The analysis reviewed 40 years of global trade records and pathogen data. It determined that traded mammal species are more likely to carry diseases that can infect humans.

Researchers observed that the number of shared pathogens increases with the duration of a species' involvement in trade. On average, a species acquires one additional human-infecting pathogen for every decade it remains in the global wildlife trade.

trade encompasses activities such as hunting, breeding, transport, storage, and sale.

During these stages, animals are handled, confined, and often placed in close proximity to humans and other species. Such conditions can enable the spread of viruses, bacteria, and parasites, potentially leading to spillover into human populations. The research noted that repeated and prolonged contact creates more opportunities for pathogens to adapt and transfer between species.

One key finding was the correlation between time in trade and pathogen sharing. This pattern suggests that trade contributes to the emergence of new diseases alongside factors like deforestation, agriculture, and climate change.

The study identified differences in risks based on trade forms.

Species sold in live-animal markets showed higher rates of pathogen sharing with humans than those sold as meat or products. Illegally traded species were also associated with elevated disease risks, though the researchers stated that risks extend to both legal and illegal markets.

International frameworks, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), primarily address species overexploitation.