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Wildlife Trade Fuels Zoonotic Disease Risk, Study Finds

4/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Science finds that wildlife trade significantly increases the risk of zoonotic diseases.
The study shows that 41% of traded mammal species share pathogens with humans, compared with 6.4% of non-traded species.
Prolonged contact with wildlife amplifies disease risks, with one pathogen acquired for every decade in trade.
Experts call for improved global surveillance and regulations to manage risks from wildlife trade, including live-animal markets.

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Story summary

A study published in Science finds that wildlife trade significantly increases the risk of zoonotic diseases.
The study shows that 41% of traded mammal species share pathogens with humans, compared with 6.4% of non-traded species.
Prolonged contact with wildlife amplifies disease risks, with one pathogen acquired for every decade in trade.
Experts call for improved global surveillance and regulations to manage risks from wildlife trade, including live-animal markets.