Abstract Detail

Abstract

This talk will take a One Health approach by reviewing the lessons learned from investigating the animal origins of SARS coronaviruses in wildlife markets together with the conservation implications and development of international wildlife trade. It discusses the expansion in the latter over the past 20 years and considers whether the ban imposed by China in 2020 has been effective. I will examine the parallel expansion in wildlife farming in SE Asia and its impact on biodiversity. The results of our investigations of UK bats for SARS-like sarbecoviruses will be presented together with the current status of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in wild and domestic mammals. The risks played by global fur farming are highlighted. I finish by presenting evidence for the risks posed by neglected pathogen vectors for emerging zoonotic diseases.

Biography

Conservation biologist for over 44 years who is now also a specialist in emerging infectious diseases, both zoonotic and in wildlife. Emeritus Professor at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.