6 August 2020
Scientists call for investments to prevent deforestation and limit the wildlife trade in order to reduce the risk of future pandemics. Proposed actions to prevent future pandemics has been costed to be between $22 - $31 billion USD annually.
Novel viruses occur when humans come into contact with primates, bats and other wildlife either directly or indirectly through farm animals such as chickens and pigs. Mixing of human and wildlife disease reservoirs has led to epidemics such as MERS, SARS, H1N1, HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19. With the damages from COVID-19 being estimated to be between $8.1 to $15.8 trillion USD.
Prevention measures include reducing deforestation by half. The edges of forests are known to be a major launchpad for novel viruses as humans and wildlife come into close contact. Deforestation drives wildlife towards forest edges due to the disruption of their natural habitat. Other measures outlined to prevent future pandemics include: reducing viral spill-overs from wildlife and livestock; monitoring the wildlife and wild meat trade; early detection and control.