Contamination: The Case of Civets, Companionship, COVID, and SARS.
J Appl Anim Welf Sci
; 25(2): 167-179, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1806028
ABSTRACT
This research explores the intersection between zoonosis and the trade in wild animals by applying the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) as a lens through which to analyse the ways humans and animals shape, and are shaped by, multi-species entanglements. Civets occupy a unique space within contemporary human-animal relations, as they have become an increasingly popular companion species despite being vectors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. The 2002 SARS outbreak not only killed 774 humans, but its confirmed species origin instigated the retribution-like public slaughter of an estimated 10,000 civets. Guided by the theory of "contamination", this paper compares human-civet relations during SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks through content analysis of global news media and the social media activity of "Civet Lover" clubs, dedicated social spaces for civet pet keeping enthusiasts. Results show that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the civet pet trade is thriving with considerable implications for humans and animals. This paper argues for the exotic pet trade to receive greater monitoring and regulation, for compromised animal welfare and health could present the opportunity for further disease emergence.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Appl Anim Welf Sci
Journal subject:
Veterinary Medicine
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
10888705.2022.2028627
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