As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to observe World Zoonoses Day on July 6, a leading conservation group, Wild Africa, has called on the Nigerian government—and other African nations—to take urgent and sustained action to prevent the outbreak of deadly zoonotic diseases like Ebola, Mpox, Lassa Fever, and Anthrax.

The organisation issued the call in a statement on Sunday, signed by its Nigeria Representative, Festus Iyorah, warning that unchecked human-wildlife interactions, including the illegal bushmeat trade, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction, remain primary drivers of these diseases.

Protecting Wildlife, Preserving Public Health

Highlighting the urgency of the moment, Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa Representative, emphasized that preventing future pandemics begins with safeguarding nature.

“World Zoonoses Day reminds us that protecting wildlife means protecting ourselves,” Ofua stated. “Adopting the One Health approach—which integrates human, animal, and environmental health—is key to breaking the cycle of disease.”

He further called on policymakers, communities, and individuals to invest in sustainable alternatives to bushmeat and preserve Nigeria’s diverse ecosystems.

The Alarming Rise of Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses, are infections that jump from animals to humans. These include global threats like COVID-19 and regional illnesses such as Mpox, Lassa Fever, and Yellow Fever. They often spread through direct contact with animals, consumption of animal products, or exposure to contaminated environments like wet markets and abattoirs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals—72% of which originate in wildlife.

Reflecting on past experiences, Wild Africa warned that COVID-19, which brought Nigeria to a standstill between 2019 and 2020, served as a harsh reminder of how zoonoses can cripple public health and economies alike.

“While some zoonotic diseases involve domestic animals,” Iyorah noted, “most—up to 71.8%—come directly from wildlife. The world’s deadliest pandemics have all stemmed from animal-to-human transmission.”

Bushmeat Trade: A Persistent Threat

In Nigeria, Wild Africa observed that illegal bushmeat sales—including endangered species like pangolins, monkeys, bats, and snakes—remain widespread in both open markets and roadside stalls.

Although bushmeat serves as a protein source in rural communities, the organisation expressed concern over its growing popularity in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

“During outbreaks such as Ebola and Anthrax, authorities cracked down on bushmeat trade,” Wild Africa recalled. “However, enforcement often fades once public attention shifts, allowing the trade to resume unchecked.”

A History of Outbreaks in Nigeria

Citing recent statistics, Wild Africa outlined the scale of zoonotic threats Nigeria has faced:

• Mpox: Since 2017, Nigeria has reported 3,771 suspected cases and 1,086 confirmed infections.

• Yellow Fever: In just the first four months of 2024, there were 589 suspected cases.

• Lassa Fever: Still endemic, this rodent-borne disease continues to threaten lives across the country.

• Anthrax: A 2023 outbreak in neighbouring Ghana killed nearly 100 animals and infected humans.

• Marburg Virus and Avian Flu: Recent West African outbreaks underscore the need for regional surveillance and response strategies.

Human Actions Driving New Epidemics

Experts argue that human-driven activities—such as deforestation, wildlife exploitation, and environmental degradation—are creating ideal conditions for zoonotic diseases to thrive.

“Every time we destroy a forest or hunt an endangered species, we increase the risk of the next deadly outbreak,” Iyorah explained. “Zoonoses not only threaten public health but also devastate wildlife and destabilize fragile ecosystems.”

Legislative Progress and the Need for Enforcement

Despite the ongoing threat, Nigeria has made some progress. The country’s Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which recently passed its third reading in the House of Representatives, is now awaiting Senate approval before it can be enacted into law.

Still, Wild Africa stressed that passing a bill is not enough—rigorous enforcement must follow.

“Laws without enforcement mean little. The government must act decisively to protect biodiversity and discourage the illegal wildlife trade,” Iyorah insisted.

Educating the Public: Vaccines Aren’t Enough

World Zoonoses Day, celebrated annually on July 6, commemorates the day in 1885 when Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first rabies vaccine. While vaccines remain crucial, experts agree that prevention through education and behaviour change plays an even more significant role.

“The battle against zoonoses starts with public awareness and responsible choices,” Wild Africa declared. “We urge Nigerians to stop consuming bushmeat and adopt sustainable dietary alternatives.”

A Final Word: Our Health Is Interconnected

Closing the statement, Wild Africa underscored the interconnectedness of all life on Earth:

“The health of humans, animals, and the environment is one and the same,” Iyorah concluded. “If we want to protect ourselves, we must start by protecting the wildlife and ecosystems around us.”

As the world continues to confront new and recurring zoonotic threats, Wild Africa’s call offers a timely and urgent reminder: a safer, healthier future depends on how we treat nature today.