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According to the BBC, pangolins remain a suspect in the coronavirus outbreak. The animals were found to carry related strains to coronavirus, notoriety which is reducing their international trafficking and sale. Pangolins are popular in illegal wildlife trafficking, they’re the most commonly illegally trafficked mammal, known for their use in food and medicine.

A researcher at the University of Hong Kong found that Malayan pangolins carry a type of coronavirus. These animals were smuggled into China and should be watched carefully. Dr. Tommy Lam of The University of Hong Kong told BBC News, “Although their role as the intermediate host of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak remains to be confirmed, sale of these wild animals in wet markets should be strictly prohibited to avoid future zoonotic [animal to human] transmission.”


While scientists are unsure of which animal caused the coronavirus outbreak, they are sure that it derived from an animal. According to co-researcher, Prof Edward Holmes of the University of Sydney, “Bats are certainly involved, pangolins may be, but it is very possible that other animal species are involved as well.”

Conservationists are urging governments to ban illegal wildlife trafficking to help end the spread of these viruses. Reporting from Afrik21 found that pangolin meat consumption and hunting had dropped in Central Africa. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) found that between 1.12 million pangolins were illegally trafficked between 2006 and 2015.

China temporarily banned the consumption of wild animals during the coronavirus outbreak and Vietnam has enacted a permanent ban. As of March 31, over 787,000 cases of coronavirus were reported worldwide.

Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.


Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

Consider eating fewer animal products to stay healthy at this time. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.


Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:


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