PETA urges public to go vegan to prevent spread of killer diseases

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Thursday urged the public to change their diet and go vegan to prevent the spread of "killer diseases."

According to a report by Isa Avendaño-Umali in Dobol B sa News TV, animal welfare advocates wore biohazard suits as they held a rally in front of the Department of Health office in Manila.

TINGNAN: Mga miyembro ng People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals o @PETAAsia, nakasuot ng biohazard suits sa kanilang protesta sa gate ng @DOHgov.

Sinisisi nila ang mga karne sa pagkalat ng coronavirus gaya ng Covid-19. Hinihimok din nila ang publiko na maging vegan. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/FXz56Nyrqa

— Isa Avendaño-Umali (@Isa_Umali) February 13, 2020

They claimed that the trade and consumption of animal meat and other animal-derived products contributes to outbreaks not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world.

Filthy slaughterhouses serve as breeding grounds of pathogens that cause various diseases, according to the group.

The protest action comes amid the global threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is believed to have originated from a wildlife market at China's Wuhan City.

So far, the virus has infected over 45,000 globally, with majority recorded in China. More than 1,000 deaths were also reported.

Some scientists link the COVID-19 to the endangered pangolins which have high demands at black markets for purported medical benefits.

Other strains of coronavirus such as SARS and MERS-CoV were transmitted to humans by civet cats and camels, respectively. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News