World Animal Protection fired off a letter to the Grapevine Convention Center asking them to end its relationship with a national reptile expo company, to help prevent the next possible pandemic.
In an open letter the international animal welfare organization, calls on Rusty Hernandez, Director of CVB Meeting and Event Venues to no longer host Repticon events, with the latest due to start this weekend, August 29-30th.
Ben Williamson, US programs director, says:
“It’s inconceivable that when many states are still seeing increases in the number of Covid-19 cases that the Grapevine Convention Center would consider playing host to a live wild animal market. While Covid-19 is believed to have started many thousands of miles away in Wuhan, China, the conditions of live animals being confined together in close proximity to humans are remarkably similar to those we’ve investigated at US reptile markets such as Repticon.
“Reptiles are known vectors of zoonotic diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention holds them responsible for salmonellosis outbreaks every year which hospitalize people. Households with children under five are specifically warned against keeping reptiles, yet worryingly, there are no age restrictions at Repticon events. At a time when we’re observing the CDC’s advice over Covid-19, it seems crazy not to follow its guidance on avoiding contact with reptiles.
“No amount of hand-sanitizer or social distancing is going to make reptile expos completely safe for humans and animals. It’s time the Grapevine Convention Center cuts its ties with this risky business once and for all.”
*Image courtesy of World Animal Protection
