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Page No. : 113-120

ABSTRACT

Wet markets, prevalent in many parts of Asia and beyond, serve as critical sources of fresh food and livelihoods but pose significant public health risks, particularly as potential hotspots for zoonotic disease transmission. These markets often lack proper regulation and hygiene, with high densities of live and dead animals from diverse species, creating conditions for interspecies pathogen spillover. Key risk factors include unsanitary practices, inadequate zoning, and prolonged supply chains that heighten disease transmission potential. Regulatory gaps and weak enforcement, especially in countries like India, exacerbate these risks. While a blanket ban on wet markets is impractical due to their socio-economic importance, targeted interventions such as improved hygiene practices, stringent licensing, better monitoring, and market modernization are essential. Adopting a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health is essential for reducing risks. Strengthened global cooperation and enforcement are also needed to dismantle transnational wildlife crime networks. By implementing these measures, wet markets can continue to serve their communities while significantly reducing public health risks.

Keywords: Food safety, one health, public health, wet markets, zoonotic diseases