Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to secure a global ban on the sale of bush-meat, in particular with regard to preventing the transfer of diseases from animals to humans

We remain concerned about the impact the bush-meat trade can have on endangered species. However, we are not currently seeking a blanket ban on the sale of bush-meat as a means of preventing the transfer of zoonotic diseases. It is clear that poorly managed and illegal wildlife trade (IWT) poses threats to animal health and welfare, diminishes our biodiversity, undermines governance, and can result in serious public health issues. However, well managed, sustainable trade can make important contributions to biodiversity conservation, livelihoods and wealth creation, social cohesion and cultural identity, and help meet the nutritional needs of local and rural communities in developing nations.