Story perspectives

Study Reveals Wildlife Trade Raises Zoonotic Disease Risk

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published in Science by researchers from the University of Maryland and University of Lausanne finds that wildlife trade heightens zoonotic disease risk.
The analysis covers four decades of trade data, showing traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to harbor pathogens infecting humans.
Illegal wildlife trade and live animal sales, especially exotic pets, pose the greatest risks, underscoring the need for stronger biosurveillance and tighter regulations.

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Story summary

A study published in Science by researchers from the University of Maryland and University of Lausanne finds that wildlife trade heightens zoonotic disease risk.
The analysis covers four decades of trade data, showing traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to harbor pathogens infecting humans.
Illegal wildlife trade and live animal sales, especially exotic pets, pose the greatest risks, underscoring the need for stronger biosurveillance and tighter regulations.