Reduce the Risk

An Association of Zoos and Aquariums initiative to reduce zoonotic disease threats by combating wildlife trade that poses a risk to human and animal health.

A Crisis in Human and Animal Health

Zoonotic diseases are a threat to human and animal health worldwide—more than two-thirds of all emerging infectious diseases of humans are zoonotic. The wildlife supply chain—both legal and illegal—presents several opportunities for the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases, a risk to human and animal health.

Goals

Advocate for stronger wildlife trade policies on the global level.
Strengthen national policy on wildlife trade through new legislation.
Educate on the risks of zoonotic disease through wildlife trade.
Increase AZA efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
Increase AZA efforts to mitigate animal disease risks in the zoological community.

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