Wildlife is an important and integral part of biodiversity, which in turn underpins the health of human civilisation. It is also the main source of pathogens, some of which have the potential to transmit to humans, leading to epidemic and pandemic outbreaks. Most human infectious diseases have their origin in wild animals. Ecological disruption, land-use change, and unsustainable food production enable pathogens to spill over. The trade in wildlife products further increases the risk of zoonotic transmission. Wildlife farming and markets also contribute to spreading zoonotic pathogens. Zoonotic viruses can spread in any setting that accommodates intensive human-wildlife interactions. The project aimed to reduce health risks in the wild animal trade in Vietnam through improving the policy system, developing technical standards on wildlife farming, and raising awareness among policy makers and related stakeholders. 

Photo: Giap Van Hung

Main Outcomes: 

• Gaps related to monitoring of wildlife farms and application of regulations of biosecurity measures at wildlife farms were identified in legal documents regulating wildlife farming. 

• Recommendations for additional regulations to strengthen the role of veterinary authorities were proposed.  

• Several communication products for raising awareness on zoonotic risks associated to wildlife farming were produced and distributed wildly among One Health stakeholders and the public. 

Products: 

• The full reports: GIZ Vietnam reports on project findings published – International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade 

• The Results in video format: Alliance Viet Nam Country Package Result 

• To prevent the next pandemic, focus on biosecurity – International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade 

Find more information and the overall learnings of the Alliance financed projects in the report “Learning to make Change Happen.- Global Lessons from 18 projects” .