The coronavirus pandemic could greatly cut the trade in wildlife. COVID-19 probably started at a market selling wild animals. It came from either a bat or a pangolin and crossed over to humans. A conservation group said eating wild animals that can carry diseases can be dangerous to human health. A conservationist called for a ban in the wildlife trade. He said: "Not only will this help to prevent the spread of disease, it [might stop] species extinction."
The London Zoological Society said animal markets could be "time bombs". They are perfect places for new viruses to start. It said if we continue to trade in animals, we will be in trouble again. About 75 per cent of new infectious diseases come from animals, like SARS, MERS and Ebola. Infections from animals lead to millions of illnesses and deaths worldwide every year. An expert said, "it's just a matter of time before the next [animal] disease risk emerges".