Quote:
Originally Posted by SkinnyPupp
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. |
The number and density can make sense, I am not sure if Wuhan is a big place for that but it's possible. Either way, while I wouldn't be surprised if the Chinese government is lying, I think we will never know the absolute truth. I do accept that the theory that it originated in China at the wet market, as it stands now, to be the most likely one.
As for TCM... Yeah, the Chinese government won't be doing away with it completely, but I would hope that at least down the line, some of these protected wild animal recipes can be done away. If we can eliminate the demand, that will help solve the problems.
And agreed on the last claim.
Edit: Damn, did some research and seems like poaching for the scales is a much larger issue, since as mentioned, it's legal to be used as a part of TCM and thus can be easily and legally acquired. And yes the claims for its effects are very dubious.