Welfare of Animals in Zoonotic Disease Spillover

The same habitat destruction that threatens wildlife welfare also increases zoonotic disease spillover risk.

Key Facts

Over 70% of emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife
Habitat destruction forces wildlife into closer contact with humans and livestock
COVID-19, Ebola, SARS, and Nipah all originated in wildlife populations
Healthy ecosystems with intact wildlife habitat reduce zoonotic spillover risk

Welfare Considerations

The health of wild animal populations and the risk of zoonotic disease spillover to humans are deeply connected. Habitat destruction forces wildlife into smaller, more fragmented spaces, increasing contact with humans and livestock that facilitates disease transmission. Stressed, malnourished wildlife populations have weakened immune function that can alter virus dynamics. Protecting wildlife habitat and welfare reduces zoonotic spillover risk — making wildlife conservation a human health intervention as well as an animal welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support habitat protection as a zoonotic disease prevention strategy
Advocate against land use practices that increase human-wildlife contact
Engage with the one-health framework connecting animal and human health
Support wildlife health monitoring programs that provide early warning of zoonotic threats