Washington, D.C. – One year into COVID-19, five states are working on legislation to prevent future pandemics. Currently, 75% of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, originate in animals. These diseases have drastically increased in recent decades due to human activity such as deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and climate change. In order to prevent the next global pandemic, states know they have vital roles to play in ensuring better disease tracking and heightened regulation of the animal trade. These states are working together to share policy ideas, strategies, and lessons learned.

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon’s bill A2054 would help prevent future devastation from animal-born viruses and pathogens by putting firm controls in place to regulate operation of live animal markets. A2054 would also prohibit certain wildlife and fish from being imported into the state in order to protect public health and safety, our native wildlife and fish, and the agricultural interests of the state. 

• What: State legislators from five states are discussing their efforts to implement policies to better protect against the emergence of infectious wildlife diseases. The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) will provide an overview of environmental impacts of wildlife diseases and the current legislative landscape.
• When: March 31, 2021 at 1:00 PM EST
• Where: Dial in: +1 (646) 558-8656
  Meeting ID:914 6875 7269; Password: 458099
  https://ncel.zoom.us/j/91468757269?pwd=b0Zyd2xOcE9qQXJzUmx2aXNUTmxZZz09
• Who: Hosted by NCEL with state legislators from New York (Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon), California, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Washington 
• Why: While the rate of infectious diseases originating in wildlife is an intensifying trend, there is not a singular solution to curbing their spread. By convening and working together on policy approaches, state legislators can learn from one another on how to better track and prevent wildlife diseases and raise awareness about the urgent need to act. Through this unified effort, legislators are strengthening our nation's ability to preserve public health.