On preventing world pandemics
like the COVID-19
Pandemics are likely to reoccur until we face their root causes
By Georges R. Dupras
Previously published April 4, 2020
As I wait patiently in self-imposed quarantine, I find myself becoming increasingly depressed by the growing number of deaths attributed to the spread of the Coronavirus.
What depresses me is not so much the confinement but the endless speculation about the Coronavirus itself and virtually no in-depth discussion about the origins. Our experiences with SARS (2004) and the bird flu should have been warning enough. As with COVID-19, they all originated from infected meat, possibly from outdoor live animal markets such as the one in Wuhan, China, or from other countries that allow those practices.
The days of the family farm are disappearing. More fruits and vegetables are being imported from countries using pesticides banned in this country. Genetically modified foods have taken over shelves at our grocers and exotic “delicacies”, such as bat wings, are finding their way to restaurants close to you. On this occasion, I won’t even mention the vile dog trade in Korea and elsewhere. Our Covert Rural (Liberal) and Outdoor (Conservative) caucuses in Ottawa ensure little transparency in our agricultural practices as well.
Canadians deserve to know where and how COVID-19 originated and what measures have been put into place to prevent future pandemics of this nature.
When officials were asked if the government would put pressure on China (and other countries) to ban such markets, the reply was that the issue would be put on the table after the pandemic. Once again our elected officials are reacting to a serious health threat, one they knew was likely to occur, and that will certainly happen again.
It’s time our leaders stop talking about the virus itself. Canadians deserve to know where and how COVID-19 originated and what measures have been put into place to prevent future pandemics of this nature. Intensive animal producers, unclean, overcrowded and un-hygienic backyard facilities, where dead, injured and sick animals are housed together in crowded cages, must be stopped – regardless of where they are located. We must expect that our elected representatives work in the interest of everyone’s health rather than that of trade agreements. Vaccines, and quarantines, though necessary and pressing, will not stop the next pandemic.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca or its publishers.
Feature image: Denise Chan via StockPholio.net
Read also: other articles by Georges R. Dupras
Georges R. Dupras has advocated for animals for over fifty years. A member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA), a Director of the Animal Alliance of Canada (AAC), Quebec Representative of Zoocheck Canada and past Board member of the Canadian SPCA, he worked on the original Save the Seal campaign in 1966 that culminated in the founding of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 1969. Georges Dupras has published two books, Values in Conflict and the eBook Ethics, a Human Condition, and currently lives in Montreal, Canada.
Thanks for this article. This is such an important subject that most media seem afraid to touch. For additional info on the history of pandemics check out Dr Michael Greger’s talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcIwu3a7Fj4
Well done! Governments can’t be afraid to strike at the roots of this issue. How many pandemics will it take before the light goes on?
Important article – important message! Will we learn or will it be back to life as usual until the next pandemic. So much information is available about the connection between factory farm conditions and viruses which lead to avian flu, swine flu, mad cow disease etc. etc. The modern meat industry is extremely cruel, unhealthy for humans and animals alike, as well as devastating for the environment. So take your choice or embrace all three reasons for turning to a plant based diet. Everyone and everything will benefit – hugely.
This article sums up in a nutshell what needs to be talked about more…that of close contact
between humans and food animals. Small wet markets, huge factory farms and bear bile farms
all contribute to these epidemics/pandemics. Covid-19 is just the tip of the iceberg. These horrific deaths would not happen if humans switched to a plant-based diet.
I think Mr Dupras’ article is very important. We need to keep the origin of this virus in the forefront in order to prevent the next one.
We also need to continuously point out that over-crowded, intensive factory farms can also breed diseases and we are all (as nations) guilty of doing harm.
If we all take the important action of changing to a vegan diet we can help animals, help ourselves, and help the planet.
I too miss the family farm as our source of food. even at food markets one has to be selective of which stall is providing ethical family food
I think we need to think long and hard on the ideas presented in this article.