The devastating emergence of the virus causing COVID-19 has led to increased interest in the factors that result in pandemics and other disease outbreaks. There is an extensive body of literature on emerging infectious diseases that originate from wild animals, much of it built up since the SARS epidemic of 2002-2004 raised global awareness of the topic. The wildlife trade has been identified as one key risk factor and has rightly drawn a great deal of attention. This study reviews information relating to another commonly postulated risk factor - damage to the integrity of ecosystems. It was developed to underpin the institutional position WCS takes on this topic, and the advice we share with our many partners around the world. The review considers publications through to March 2020, with a focus on the peer-reviewed literature, and draws on the combined expertise of scientific and policy staff from across WCS, including our dedicated programs on wildlife health and on the conservation of intact forests.
