Amid a global race to develop a coronavirus vaccine, conservationists have warned that at least 5 lakh sharks are likely to be slaughtered in order to develop enough doses of an effective vaccine. Yes, the global vaccination program is supposed to come at a very heavy price and netizens are horrified at the proposed mass-murder!
Shark Allies, a California-based conservation group, suggests that squalene, a natural compound originally obtained from shark liver oil is used in some adjuvants that enhance the body’s immune response to an antigen.
According to Euro News, about 2,500-3,000 sharks would be required to extract one tonne of squalene. For the entire global population to be vaccinated, around 5 lakhs would be slaughtered.
Outraged at the amount of animal cruelty, a petition with the title ‘Stop Using Sharks in COVID-19 Vaccine – Use EXISTING Sustainable Options’ has been filed on Change.org against using sharks for the vaccine. Over 44,000 people have filed the petition so far.
Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America: Stop Using Sharks in COVID-19 vaccine – Use EXISTING Sustainable & Humane Options –
Please sign & share this petition & stop the utter decimation of these wonderful beings! https://t.co/sY0s5Ljk1p via @UKChange— Tanith (@AWhisperofTrees) September 29, 2020
This could spell potential disaster for sharks and humans since this resource is neither sustainable nor reliable for the mass production of a COVID-19 vaccine. Shark squalene production requires relying on a finite, wild animal population. Most shark species are already at critical levels and will not withstand an increase in demand for a global vaccine,” the petition reads.
Many have questioned the decision and asked for an alternative, urging authorities to switch to non-animal squalene and focus on creating long-term and sustainable solutions.
"5Lakh sharks to be slaughtered to create COVID-19 vaccine doses for all"
● Ready to kill sharks for medicine.
● Already killing desi cows for food, who produce medicinal panchagavyas when they are still alive.
Humans are the worst creatures on earth!https://t.co/NDW5EtEJ7L
— Girish Alva (@girishalva) October 1, 2020
Sharks at risk of extinction for the COVID vaccine isn't something I expected to read today…but here we are. Vaccines w/ squalene harvested from sharks are NOT sustainable. Period. Sustainable methods are necessary for both public and ocean health.https://t.co/TRCMgpH6gt
— Dr. Wildlife ? (@DrWildlife) September 27, 2020
Just read that half a million sharks may have to be killed to make the Covid-19 vaccine. And if this doesn't explain the span of human life on Earth, idk what does.
— The Delirious One (@ishanchal) October 1, 2020
Half a million sharks will be slaughtered to make Covid vaccine .
All vaccines consist of an immunological agent called adjuvant and squalene which makes vaccine more efficient by strengthening its immune response.
This Is going to imbalance entire ocean habitat .
— Dhruv Chauhan (@DrDhruvchauhan) October 1, 2020
Not just for the vaccine, around 30 lakh sharks are killed every year for their use in cosmetics, machine oil, and other products. Animal conservationists have expressed concern that how this mass-murder would further threaten the shark population and lead to their endangerment.
What do you think? Is it fair enough to file a petition like this? Indeed, humans are selfish.
Source: India Today
