Welfare Science

Live Animal Markets and Zoonotic Risk

Live animal markets create both animal welfare and public health risks, with crowding and stress increasing disease transmission between species and to humans.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Live animal markets cause immense animal suffering through crowding, stress, injury, and dehydration before death. They also create significant public health risks through disease emergence. Improving market conditions or transitioning to more humane alternatives addresses both welfare and One Health concerns simultaneously.

What You Can Do