Wildlife taboos as zoonoses risk mitigation: examining the past and proposed with considerations for human health and biodiversity conservation

Scholars have proposed the adoption of a contemporary global taboo against bats to prevent the outbreak of diseases to which humans are susceptible (zoonotic diseases). Zoonotic disease outbreaks are driven by environmental change and can result in collective human traumas that span generations. The proposal inspired us to explore the extent and characteristics of traditional wildlife taboos for zoonotic disease risk mitigation. We conducted a literature review to assess the role of zoonotic disease as a catalyst for traditional taboo development and enculturation. Out of concern that contemporary taboos could facilitate or amplify collective human trauma, we also contemplated the ethics of constructing and promoting contemporary wildlife taboos to serve health security aims. In this Perspective, we report on our review of traditional wildlife taboos as they relate to zoonotic disease risk mitigation, noting information shortfalls and observable linkages. We also respond to the call for contemporary wildlife taboos by exploring neocolonial approaches to conservation and achieving public health goals; the dynamics of values, ethics, and morals; and potential adverse impacts on biodiversity conservation. We conclude that the historical role of taboos as risk mitigation measures is not well-established due to data limitations; linkages cannot be readily drawn between specific wildlife species and specific pathogens. However, in general, there appears to be a reasonable likelihood that some taboos arose when communities repeatedly observed human health problems following contact with certain wildlife species. We do not recommend contemporary taboos as risk mitigation measures. If “taboo campaigns” are developed, we urge socio-cultural sensitivity, knowledge, and community participation. To safeguard the affected communities, socio-cultural and ecological impact assessments should be conducted as standard practice.