Lion Bones Contains Infectious Diseases Transmissible to Human
African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa
A recent research by World Animal Protection and Blood Lion shows that bones from lions could contain infectious viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
A summary in the research indicated In South Africa, thousands of African lions are bred on farms for commercial purposes, such as tourism, trophy hunting, and traditional medicine. Lions on farms often have direct contact with people, such as farmworkers and tourists. Such close contact between wild animals and humans creates opportunities for the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between animals and people).
To help understand the health risks associated with lion farms, our study compiled a list of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) known to affect African lions. We reviewed 148 scientific papers and identified a total of 63 pathogens recorded in both wild and captive lions, most of which were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). This included pathogens that can be passed from lions to other animals and to humans. We also found a total of 83 diseases and clinical symptoms associated with these pathogens.
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Given that pathogens and their associated infectious diseases can cause harm to both animals and public health, we recommend that the lion farming industry in South Africa takes action to prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks.
Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic agents (including bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, and prions) that can be transmitted between vertebrate mammals and humans. The increasing rate of emerging infectious diseases is thought to be a result of human-induced changes in land use, extraction of natural resources, animal production systems, and the global wildlife trade. The research stated.
The world is said to lose close to 5-9 trillion dollars due to coronavirus which is said to be a wildlife related virus from the illegal trade of pangolin. Wild animals diseases periodically result in billions of economic losses due to the heavy research done to prevent the transmission.
To read more of the research, please click to get more of the research insights.
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Lion Bones Contains Infectious Diseases Transmissible to Human
