The emergence of zoonotic diseases including influenza pandemics and COVID-19 is linked to intensive livestock production and wildlife trade, creating urgent connections between animal welfare and human health.
The connection between animal welfare and zoonotic disease risk is increasingly well understood. Crowded, stressed animals in intensive production systems are more susceptible to infection and shed pathogens at higher rates; the close quarters facilitate rapid evolution and spread of influenza and other viruses. The wildlife trade brings wild animals with novel pathogens into close contact with humans and domestic animals. Both of these risk factors — intensive farming and wildlife trade — are also significant sources of animal welfare harm. Addressing animal welfare in food production and wildlife trade reduces both direct suffering and the risk of devastating pandemic disease.