Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Sofija Dainelis
City High School
The spread of zoonotic disease can be incredibly concerning if not dealt with. As of 1996 15 zoonotic diseases have been recorded in Israel, ten of which are notifiable in humans at the national level. These diseases are commonly foodborne, although they can also be spread through contact, and can affect food supply, and even lead to death.
Although there are laws enforcing agricultural policies, in order to prevent the spread and cultivation of these diseases the government struggles to implement these practices. They are especially reluctant to enforce these laws on people of religious minorities, specifically Orthodox-Jewish communities, and the Arab and Bedouin populations. This is due to fear of violation of religious freedom, contrary to health interests. Because of this lack of enforcement livestock has been raised on land that is not intended for commercial use, this leads to crowding and unhealthy practices that can cause disease to cultivate and spread.
As a country, we can move towards healthier living. By increasing and strengthening the enforcement of agricultural practice laws we can protect against the spread of zoonotic disease. Since the majority of these illnesses are food-borne it is important that we enforce laws around healthier practices in order to prevent the spread of disease. With the health of our people in mind, it is best to do all that we can to protect them from illness and harm. Strengthening enforcement that prevents these issues will lead our country to a healthier, happier nation.
https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/wp.nyu.edu/dist/b/11111/files/2024/07/Israel-Live-with-Cover.pdf
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/3/2/97-0221_article#:~:text=As%20of%201996%2C%2015%20zoonotic,avian)%20(Table%201)%2C
