Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Recent research published in **Science** establishes a direct link between the **global wildlife trade** and the transmission of **zoonotic pathogens** from mammals to humans. By analyzing four decades of data, scientists discovered that **traded mammal species** are significantly more likely to share infectious diseases with humans than those not involved in commerce. A critical finding reveals that for every **ten years** a species remains in the international market, it typically gains **one additional shared pathogen** with the human population. The risk of disease exchange is further heightened when animals are **traded live** or through **illegal channels**, where sanitary oversight is absent. These results suggest that the **duration and intensity** of human-animal contact in trade networks are primary drivers of potential **epidemics and pandemics**. Consequently, the authors advocate for stricter **biosurveillance** and updated international regulations to mitigate the inherent health risks posed by the commercial use of wildlife.
bigcatrescue.org/conservation-news/the-decade-rule
BIG CAT TV is a close look into the wild cat conservation efforts we support, and the exotic feline residents of Big Cat Rescue who we now support at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Big Cat Rescue is a registered non-profit 501c3 so your donations are tax deductible. Wildcats in the wild: Our mission, their future. ๐พ
Subscribe here: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=BigCatRescue
Music and both real and AI images from Meloty, Suno, HeyGen, OpenArt, Envato, Leonardo, NotebookLM, Gemini, Genspark, APM Music (https://www.apmmusic.com) and Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) Artlist.io, InVideo app and other AI sources by permission and subscription.
Help save wild cats and end big cat abuse at BigCatRescue.org
Thank you for watching and tell a friend!
Recent research published in **Science** establishes a direct link between the **global wildlife trade** and the transmission of **zoonotic pathogens** from mammals to humans. By analyzing four decades of data, scientists discovered that **traded mammal species** are significantly more likely to share infectious diseases with humans than those not involved in commerce. A critical finding reveals that for every **ten years** a species remains in the international market, it typically gains **one additional shared pathogen** with the human population. The risk of disease exchange is further heightened when animals are **traded live** or through **illegal channels**, where sanitary oversight is absent. These results suggest that the **duration and intensity** of human-animal contact in trade networks are primary drivers of potential **epidemics and pandemics**. Consequently, the authors advocate for stricter **biosurveillance** and updated international regulations to mitigate the inherent health risks posed by the commercial use of wildlife.
bigcatrescue.org/conservation-news/the-decade-rule
BIG CAT TV is a close look into the wild cat conservation efforts we support, and the exotic feline residents of Big Cat Rescue who we now support at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Big Cat Rescue is a registered non-profit 501c3 so your donations are tax deductible. Wildcats in the wild: Our mission, their future. ๐พ
Subscribe here: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=BigCatRescue
Music and both real and AI images from Meloty, Suno, HeyGen, OpenArt, Envato, Leonardo, NotebookLM, Gemini, Genspark, APM Music (https://www.apmmusic.com) and Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) Artlist.io, InVideo app and other AI sources by permission and subscription.
Help save wild cats and end big cat abuse at BigCatRescue.org
Thank you for watching and tell a friend!
