 
John, how can we reduce the risk of future pandemics to people and animals?You've probably been hearing a lot recently about the links between COVID-19 and the treatment of wildlife in 'wet markets'. These are such important questions so I wanted to take a moment to share what we know so far, and, critically, how what's going on in the world right now is very closely related to Animals Australia's core work on behalf of 'farmed' animals. 
Firstly, there is no simple answer. The reality is that there's a long history of deadly pandemics that are, like COVID-19, deeply rooted in our treatment of animals — especially the 70 billion who are raised and killed for food each year around the world. While much media coverage has focused on wildlife wet markets where rare and 'exotic' animals are bought, sold and killed, confining this conversation to the often-illegal wildlife trade ignores the breeding grounds for disease created by industrial food systems globally. It also ignores the large-scale destruction of habitats that is forcing wild animals out of their homes and into closer proximity with people and other animals. All of these issues need equal scrutiny. That's why Animals Australia recently joined over 200 animal protection and conservation groups urging the World Health Organisation to call for a ban on wildlife markets and curb the illegal wildlife trade. And it's why we are as committed as ever to ending factory farming — the number one cause of animal cruelty in the world today. In fact, to ensure that the animals hidden away in factory farms won't be forgotten during this unprecedented global event, we've kept our eye-opening TV ad 'We See You' on air and online — where their plea for freedom is reaching millions of people every week. John, these are not easy conversations to have and at this time in human history, we need to be prepared to look within and ask some tough questions. As a species, we haven't always been great at learning from mistakes of the past but that doesn't mean we can't be this time. It's heartening to see some deeper conversations emerging about our relationship with animals; a relationship that is in urgent need of repair — not only for them, but for all of us. Please click here for more about how we can all help create a more compassionate and healthier future for people and animals alike, beyond COVID-19.
John, I hope you and your loved ones are well and remain so. Thank you for supporting our work on behalf of animals and for being part of this movement towards a kinder world. For all,
P.S. There is so much information out there that it can be hard to determine what to read and what to leave! If you're interested in learning more about this topic, this talk by physician and author, Dr Michael Greger, provides an eye-opening insight into the history of pandemic viruses and how we can prevent them. You can watch it on YouTube (just note there are some confronting images and he's in the process of adding this coronavirus). 
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