In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, we need to ban wild animal markets or “wet markets” once and for all. Wild animals from different regions are mixed with domestic animals in cramped, stressful and unsanitary conditions to be sold for human consumption. There is no regulation and the animals are often killed on the spot.

This was a perfect breeding ground for SARS and now the coronavirus. These viruses are transferred from exotic animals to humans because of their close and unnatural contact in these markets. Once the virus can infect people, they can become highly infectious, causing pandemics that are hard to contain and cure.

Not only are these markets inhumane, destructive to wild habitats and contribute to the extinction of species, they are a threat to our species as well - it is a matter of global health, safety and security. I am asking China to step up and take the lead because of the latest outbreak that started in Wuhan and the unprecedented steps it has already taken to contain it. Furthermore, the meat is being sold as luxury items due to the perceived status that they bring. The vanity, ignorance or selfishness of a few should not be placed above the health and safety of our global ecosystem.