"Unveiling the Zoonotic Disease Time Bomb: The Hidden Pandemic Threat in the US"
A study by Harvard Law School and New York University warns that lax regulations in U.S. animal industries, including fur farming and the exotic pet trade, pose significant risks for future pandemics. The research highlights gaps in oversight and high-risk interactions between humans and animals, calling for improved regulations to mitigate zoonotic disease threats. The report maps networks of animal commerce and identifies the absence of a robust strategy by the U.S. government to counter these risks. The study recommends strengthening current regulations and introducing new measures to prevent zoonotic-driven outbreaks. The U.S. is uniquely vulnerable due to its large-scale animal use, including the importation of over 220 million wild animals annually and the production of billions of livestock. The report emphasizes the need for proactive measures to manage and reduce zoonotic risks.
