Veterinarians, wildlife experts applaud China's ban of wild bird trade

While most people are aware that elephants are poached for their ivory, many do not know that elephants are also a part of the bushmeat crisis. One elephant yields thousands of kilos of meat, which may be easier to sell in markets than elephant ivory.

Authors:

Sautner, S. Wildlife Conservation Society

Document Type:

Media

Citation:

Sautner, S. (2004, February 19). Veterinarians, wildlife experts applaud China's ban of wild bird trade. Wildlife Conservation Society. [Online]. Available: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-02/wcs-vwe021904.php [2004, February 19].

Year Published:

2004

Sec Title:

But group says ban should be made permanent to fully protect people and wildlife

Type Work:

News Release

Availability:

Online

Language:

English

Country:

China

Url:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-02/wcs-vwe021904.php

Bushmeat Asian Type:

Wildlife Trade

Keywords:

China; trade; birds; ban; Wildlife Conservation Society; diseases

Abstract:

A group of scientists and veterinarians from the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) today applauded China's decision to ban trade in wild birds to help prevent the spread of Avian Flu. But the group cautioned that to safeguard both people and wildlife fully, the measure should be made permanent. Last week WCS issued a statement calling for the ban in wild birds throughout Asia, stating that closing wild bird markets would reduce the spread of Avian flu and a myriad of other infectious diseases. The markets needlessly place tens of thousands of wild and domestic birds in close quarters, allowing diseases to make the jump between wild animals, livestock, and ultimately humans. Then on Feb. 10th, China's State Administration of Forestry issued an emergency notice banning the hunting, transport and sale of wild birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Forestry officials also announced a special campaign to crack down on the illegal hunting and sale of wild...