The Battle against Wildlife Trafficking and Wet Markets

The article discusses the ongoing debate around the role of wet markets in the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. It highlights that many wet markets across the world, such as those in China and Nigeria, continue to operate with minimal regulation, and the conditions inside them could facilitate the spread of viruses between species, leading to the emergence of new deadly diseases. The article also points out that wet markets serve as an important source of food for many people in developing countries, and calls for a balance between cultural traditions and public health concerns. Finally, it highlights the need for global collaboration to improve regulations, enhance surveillance, and reduce the risk of future pandemics.

lapatilla reports that wild animals, both alive and dead, are being sold in deplorable sanitary conditions in a wet market in Lagos. And emphasised that all animals are infected with something, and only some are infectious to humans. Having many animals in the same space and in close contact with each other increases the likelihood of diseases arising in people. The article is in Spanish.

Viva talks about the sale of boiled monkeys and crocodiles in these markets, which may pose a risk for the transmission of diseases to humans. The article is in Bahasa Indonesia.

news.de discusses the conditions in wet markets in Nigeria where exotic animals such as pangolins, monkeys, and turtles are sold dead or alive. The footage and images from the markets show that animals are kept in filthy cages and sometimes boiled alive or killed in unsanitary conditions. The article is in German.

ET Today reports on the efforts of Wild at Life e.V. to rescue pangolins, sea turtles, antelopes, baboons, crocodiles, and other animals from the Oluwu fresh market in Nigeria where they were being slaughtered and sold for food. The article cites concerns from experts that the close contact between humans and wild animals in these markets increases the risk of zoonotic diseases being transmitted to humans, as was seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. The article also highlights the illegal trade of pangolin scales for use in traditional Chinese medicine, with Nigeria being a major supplier of smuggled pangolins, stressing the need for government and international action to stop the trade in wild animals and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. The article is in Traditional Chinese.

Daily Star provides a glimpse into the Nigerian wet markets, which are known for selling various wild animals, including endangered species. It also highlights the rampant illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria, with pangolins, turtles, and primates being among the most commonly traded animals. The article is in English.

The Scottish Sun published an article depicting the horrible scenes found at Oluwo Fish Market, Nigeria, where animals are skinned and boiled alive. Not only is this cruel, but many are concerned that this could be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could pose a significant threat to public health and spark a new pandemic. The article is in English.

MKRU reports on the unsanitary conditions of a wet market in Lagos, Nigeria, where both dead and live wild animals can be found. Market workers do not disinfect – let alone clean – surfaces or tools, and do not wear personal protective equipment and gloves. Furthermore, these wild/stray animals sold for consumption or to be part of the black market are more often than not abused, or killed in inhumane ways. The article is in Russian.