Social Science Considerations on Human-wildlife Interactions in the Context of Epidemic Response

Abstract

As Ebola can passed through contact with animal’s blood, and also from scratches, dung and other body fluids, this briefing reports on hunter scavenger behaviours and wildmeat movement between DRC and Uganda to establish what risks are posed by the unsolicited collecting, storing and selling of illegal wildmeat. This briefing also reports on current hunting behaviours and rationales, and assesses the risk of further pathogen spillover events as a result of COVID-19. In doing so, we provide practical recommendations in an effort to emphasise the need to collaborate with wildmeat handlers, in particular hunters/poachers, to report unusual wildlife signs and in particular not to touch already dead wildlife. Drawing on lessons learnt from Ebola outbreaks elsewhere, messaging needs to focus on simple handling practices that reduce the risk of contamination through body fluids.