No More Cobra, Turtle, and Pangolin on Vietnam’s Food Menus

Vietnam’s Prime Minister has decided to ban wildlife imports and close markets who trade them. His decision follows a letter from 14 wildlife protection organizations urging the government to shut down markets and vendors selling wildlife for human consumption.

“Vietnam’s directive clearly shows the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal wildlife trade and consumption,” said Ms. Phuong Tham, Humane Society International/Vietnam’s Director. “These measures combined with strict management of wildlife farming are extremely welcome news in the global efforts to end wildlife exploitation and the grave risks for conservation, animal welfare, and human health.”

The directive also has a second effect: the origins of the current coronavirus are tied to the wildlife trade, as wild life markets worldwide constitute a petri dish for the next global pandemic.