<p>Decades of data reveal that animals involved in the wildlife trade&mdash;from pet sales to meat markets to illegal poaching&mdash;are much more likely to carry pathogens that can infect humans</p>
Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted from animals to humans. These diseases can arise from various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, and can have significant public health implications.
Wildlife trade refers to the illegal or legal exchange of wild animals and plants. This trade can have ecological impacts and can facilitate the spread of diseases from wildlife to humans, as animals in trade may carry pathogens.