Wildlife markets are not only cruel and unethical, but they are a HUGE risk to humans all over the world.
Add your name if you want to ban these markets, before it's too late.
Coronavirus most likely originated in the wildlife markets of Wuhan after it was transferred from bats, to pangolins, and then to humans, according to Michael Osterholm, American public-health scientist and expect in biosecurity and infectious-disease.
Likewise, the 2003 SARS outbreak was traced to a wildlife market in China's southern Guangdong Province.
Why are these markets, also referred to as "wet markets", so horrible?
"Fish, poultry and other animals are slaughtered and butchered right on the premises.
"Researchers say that the wet markets in mainland China, however, are problematic for several reasons.
"They often have many different kinds of exotic animals. The stress of captivity weakens the animals' immune systems and creates an environment where mutating viruses can slip from one species to another.
"When that happens, a new strain of a virus can occasionally get a foothold in humans," reported NPR.
And the worst part is, markets like this exist all over the world.
"There should be permanent closure of the wet markets...
"Such a comprehensive approach would be a reversal of decades of government policy and market practice, but when we get through this crisis and the toll it will take on the world, we will owe it to the memory of those we lose that there be a global, sustained push to see these practices ended, everywhere," said The National Review.
As of 03/19/2020, there have been 242,209 confirmed cases worldwide, and 9,992 confirmed deaths.
By the time you read this petition, that number will almost certainly be higher.
Making this happen is going to take a concerted, international effort.
That's why we're asking the Asian Parliamentary Assembly to unite and shut down each and every wildlife market on the continent.
Countless wild animals, including many endangered species, will benefit.
And we will vastly reduce the chances of another virus like COVID-19 from devastating the global population.
Don't you want to save future generations of people and animals?
Then add your name to ask the Asian Parliamentary Assembly to take strict action against horrifying wildlife markets, before it's too late!
