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Prevention of Future Pandemics Act was just re-represented in the US House of Representatives to address the spread of emerging infectious diseases from wildlife to humans.
As WAN previously reported, the bill, which was first introduced to the House of Representatives in September 2020. Mike Quigley (D-IT) and Fred Upton (R-MI), aims to prohibit the import, export and interstate trade of live animals of wild animals for human consumption. The bill also highlights $ 35 million to implement this ban and urges the Department of State to seek the closure of overseas wildlife markets through international coalitions and other diplomatic measures. This will include a particular focus on indigenous peoples in communities that depend on wildlife consumption for food security.
“There is no doubt that, without decisive action, our rampant exploitation of nature will continue to have devastating consequences for human health. The Future Pandemics Prevention Act helps tackle the root causes of zoonotic disease transmission by positioning the United States as a leader in reducing wildlife trade and consumption of wild species, ”said Kathy Liss, President Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), in statement.
Legislation also highlights $ 150 million to US Fisheries and Wildlife Service recruit, train and deploy at least 50 new law enforcement officers in countries where illegal trade in at-risk species is rampant. Moreover, United States Agency for International Development will receive $ 300 million step up efforts to improve human health worldwide, conserve biodiversity and combat wildlife trafficking.
“For our health, economy and livelihoods, preventing the next pandemic before it starts is perhaps the most important thing we must do. For this reason, Representative Upton and I resubmitted the Future Pandemics Prevention Act at the earliest opportunity on the swearing-in day of the new Congress, ”Quigley said, noting that the law had previously received strong bipartisan support.
Over the past 40 years, the worst pandemics and epidemics have been caused by the trade and consumption of animals amid destruction of their habitats. Much of this multi-billion dollar industry is unregulated.
IN United States is one of the world’s largest wildlife importers, approximately 20% of the global wildlife market. While only a fraction of this trade includes the trade in live wildlife for human consumption, the sector needs to be eliminated to protect human safety and animal welfare.
You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and glass. #AnimalsMeal
The message is breaking! A bill to end the trade in wild animals for human consumption, re-introduced in the US House of Representatives, first appeared in World Animal News.
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