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Throughout its history, humanity has gone through many epidemics of infectious diseases, but recently they are becoming more frequent. In 20 years, three were caused by coronaviruses. All epidemics have at least one thing in common: they started in Asia or Africa. Why? This question was answered by a virologist at Pennsylvania State University in The Conversation.
High population density and a changing urban landscape
Asia and Africa are experiencing such population shifts as anywhere else in the world, said Dr. Suresh V Kuchipudi, who studies zoonotic viruses at Penn State University. Asia and the Pacific regions already have 60 percent. population. In the 200st century, as many as XNUMX million people moved to urban areas in East Asia. Migration on such a scale means that forests are being destroyed to create residential areas. Habitats of wild animals are therefore closer and closer to cities and towns.
As research by epidemiologists shows, viruses often spread from wildlife to humans. Carriers of dangerous pathogens are, among others bats which are among the prime suspects of transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Trade in wild animals
The novel coronavirus outbreak began at a Wuhan wildlife market. Such markets are common in Asia and Africa. They gather in one place traders selling various species of animals and attract crowds of people. Millions of people on both continents still depend on agriculture. Keeping their own livestock is the norm there, and the farming system is not working as efficiently as in Europe. Private farms are void of any control.
Also read: Scientists are looking for the source of the coronavirus. What animal did man get infected?
They are also widespread in Asia and Africa hunting, which not only irreversibly changes ecosystems, but also opens up another way for the spread of zoonoses. They are related to the development of traditional medicine. It is because of her that poaching flourishes in Asia, tigers, bears, rhinoceros, pangolins and other species of animals die. Asians believe that natural healing products made from their bones, organs, and scales help deal with epilepsy, joint disease, erectile dysfunction, and other health problems. The demand for such medicaments is growing because Internet trade favors it.
See also: Discovery of Chinese scientists. Pangolins may be the host of the coronavirus
Dr. Kuchipudi has no doubts: it is only a matter of time before another virus will spread from animals to humans. It is very likely to happen again in Asia or Africa.
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Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.