N-VA seeks to combat illegal wild game

The coronavirus crisis shows that illegal trade in wild and often protected animal species poses a threat to biodiversity and public health. Nevertheless, we still know too little about the illegal import and trafficking of wild game within the European Union. The N-VA is calling for a better assessment of the trade in wild game so that a vigorous approach becomes possible.

Major health risks

The import of non-certified meat from endangered species is prohibited and punishable in Belgium. The N-VA points out that little is known about this illegal trade through European ports and airports. “That is remarkable, as there are great risks involved. The slaughter and trading of animals often take place in poor hygienic conditions and in overcrowded markets, which means that there is a real risk that a virus will spread from animals to humans.”

Danger to biodiversity

Illegal traffic in wild game also poses a serious threat to biodiversity. The N-VA points out the risks: “There is a lot of money to be made in the trade. However, the demand for wild game far exceeds the reproductive capacity of the animal species. This leads to huge losses and substantial degradation of the ecosystems in the countries of origin. The affected areas risk becoming empty forests.”

Simplify and strengthen enforcement

Government research estimates that passengers import some 44.4 tonnes of wild game through Zaventem Airport annually, but the real figure is possibly even higher. Most of it comes from Africa. Due to its good connections with that continent, it seems that Belgium is one of the European hubs in the illegal trade in wild game. Nevertheless, infringements are only rarely punished. The N-VA says: “The fragmentation of powers between customs, the food safety department, the CITES unit for endangered species and the public prosecutor’s office to take punitive measures means that infringements usually go unpunished. And the passengers seem to be aware of this too. We therefore need not only to assess trade better, but also to simplify and strengthen enforcement capacity.”