Challenge

More than 3 million cases of Covid-19 have been recorded worldwide, with more than 195,000 confirmed cases in the UK. Some 3 in 4 of new or emerging infectious diseases come from animals – mainly from wildlife trade and factory farming. Like SARS, bird flu, swine flu, Ebola and AIDS, coronavirus originated in animals.

Solution

Higginson supported vegan charity Viva to launch the ‘3 in 4’ campaign. Bringing together scientists and campaigners from around the world the campaign would highlight that 75 per cent of the world’s new or emerging infectious diseases come from animals. Backed by Higginson, the ‘3 in 4’ campaign was kicked-off through a coordinated open letter setting out our vision.

Outcome

The letter, which warned that factory farms and wildlife markets provide the perfect conditions for disease to thrive and transmit to humans, was published in The Independent in April 2020. It was signed by a host of scientific experts including Professor Andrew Knight, Director, Centre for Animal Welfare and Public Health Professional and GP Dr Josh Cullimore. Others including the UK’s top barrister Michael Mansfield QC and renowned journalist and environmental campaigner George Monbiot put their names to the letter signaling the need for change.