While wildlife are the most common source of emerging human disease, domesticated animals may be original sources, transmission pathways, or amplifiers of zoonotic disease. Such linkages – as well as the interconnectedness with issues such as air and water quality, food security and nutrition, and mental and physical health – should inform policies that address the challenges posed by current and future emerging infectious diseases, including zoonoses….Key message

In this time of crisis, thousands of papers and guidelines have already been published about COVID-19. Most of these consider the important questions of how to respond to the ongoing public health crisis, or how to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. This report takes a step back and considers the root causes of the emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus and other ‘zoonoses’—diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans. The report also offers a set of practical recommendations that can help policymakers prevent and respond to future disease outbreaks. 

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen and ILRI Director General Jimmy Smith launched the report at a press briefing in New York City on 6 July 2020. Watch session here. Zoonotic diseases and how to break the chain of transmission