Fear of disease transmission from wildlife to humans and livestock drives persecution of wild animals that is often disproportionate to actual risk and causes significant welfare harm.
Fear of zoonotic disease drives wildlife persecution that causes enormous welfare harm while often failing to achieve its disease control objectives. Badger culling in the UK has killed hundreds of thousands of animals while delivering uncertain TB reduction benefits, with field evidence showing vaccination is equally or more effective. Bat persecution following COVID-19 causes both direct welfare harm and ecological damage to species that provide essential pest control services. The most effective response combines transparent communication of actual zoonotic risk, investment in wildlife vaccination programs, and habitat management that reduces human-wildlife contact rather than wildlife persecution.