Quote:
Originally Posted by UnknownJinX
You didn't really answer my question. OK, it's imported, so why didn't the virus break out at wherever it's imported from?
And have you been to a wet market or you just reading something online that tries to discover the most filthy ones because that attracts clicks? I will say it's not the most sanitary place, but if it's that disgusting, it's not good for the business, either. I think probably the filthiest are the avians but those are farm animals.
The main point I have been trying to make is that Pangolin isn't like a regular dish your average Chinese person will have, just due to accessibility and high prices. Banning doesn't solve much in this case: those rich people will always find ways to have them if they so wish, just means they gotta spend a little extra. Your average person won't be seeking them in the first place. What is being achieved here?
You can also see that Pangolin consumption isn't just limited in China, so either the virus didn't originate from it, or every other country has somehow just been extremely lucky.
"Pangolins have been consumed as a source of protein in virtually every range country throughout human history. In Asia, this continues, but in many places local consumption has been foregone in favour of selling the animals into illicit, international trade because of the high prices pangolins can fetch. The majority of this trade is destined to China and Vietnam, as well as other countries in Southeast Asia, where pangolins are consumed as a delicacy. The high price and perceived rarity means consumers eat pangolins as a luxury product to demonstrate their wealth and reinforce social status, for example, businesspeople trying to impress clients on signing contracts. In Africa, pangolins are eaten as wild meat, especially in West and Central Africa, where local rather than international trade is predominant. Estimates suggest that at least 400,000 pangolins are hunting and consumed locally in Central Africa each year (2)."
https://www.pangolinsg.org/pangolins/threats/
Not that I encourage Pangolin consumption, but some of your claims need sources. |
Pangolins are imported and collected (among other animals) in large numbers throughout markets in China. The reason outbreaks don't occur when they're in their natural habitat should be obvious...
And yes, audacious eating is big with rich people who want to show off. That means the market for this food will exist. People who do this don't care about anything other than showing how awful they can be. Look at me, I am eating a pangolin/koala/wolf cub/giraffe penis/etc. I bet there are some who are deranged enough to eat pandas.
But that's only part of it, the rest is TCM. Pangolin scales are believed to have the typical whacky TCM claims - improving blood flow, treating rheumatism, removing "meridian obstruction", using their bile to treat liver ailments.
Because TCM isn't going away, wild trade won't go away. This includes pangolins as well as tigers, bears, etc.
And because of that, the market for evil dieting will still be there.
What makes it all worse is that the Chinese govt is fighting hard to change reality, claiming the virus didn't come from these markets. They will do everything in their power to protect TCM. Including provoking America and spreading racism on both sides of the border.
Also, typically the only regulations that are strictly enforced are those that threaten the party itself. Other rules are generally lax in China, you know that.
Edit: Not sure what sources you need... Sources of pangolins used in TCM? Just google it... Here's
The Lancet, using Chinese sources talking about it.