Science and Policy

Zoonotic Disease and Animal Welfare Connections

Zoonotic diseases emerge from animal-human interfaces; animal welfare conditions in intensive farming create risks for disease emergence and spread.

Key Facts

75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals
COVID-19 likely emerged from wildlife through an intermediate host
Intensive animal farming increases zoonotic disease risk through high densities and stress
Wet markets with live wild animals create high zoonosis transmission risk

Welfare Considerations

Poor animal welfare conditions — crowding, stress, and mixing of species — increase the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and amplification. Intensive farming practices that stress animals and compromise immunity create conditions for viral mutation and inter-species transmission. Improving animal welfare in intensive farming and reducing live animal trade are simultaneously animal welfare and public health interventions.

What You Can Do

Support improvements in animal welfare conditions in intensive farming as a disease prevention measure
Advocate for stronger regulation of live wild animal trade
Follow research on the connections between factory farming and pandemic risk
Engage with public health and animal welfare as interconnected issues