Health

Half A Million Sharks Might Be Killed In Search For COVID-19 Vaccine

Wildlife experts claim that in order to find a COVID-19 vaccine, half a million sharks could be killed for the much-anticipated jab.

This is because a natural oil made in the liver of sharks called squalene is used medicine and is also used as an adjuvant to increase the effectiveness of a vaccine. Also, it is now being used in trial vaccines for the COVID-19.

Picture: Google

 

As said by conservationist group Shark Allies, it is believed that around 250,000 sharks will need to be slaughtered if a drug that contains squalene passes and goes into production across the world  in order to provide one dose for each person.

That figure will be doubled and became dire if people need two shots instead of one to fully vaccinate against COVID-19.

 

Founder and executive director of Shark Allies, Stefanie Brendl said, “Harvesting something from a wild animal is never going to be sustainable, especially if it’s a top predator that doesn’t reproduce in huge numbers,”.

In a Facebook post, she added, “We are not trying to slow down or hinder the production of a vaccine.

Picture: Google

“We simply ask that testing of non-animal derived squalene is conducted alongside shark squalene so it can be replaced as soon as possible.

“At billions of doses needed per year, for decades to come, it is critical that we don’t rely on a wild animal resource. It can be detrimental to shark species that are hunted for their oil, and it is not a reliable supply chain,”.

An online petition had been set up by the group named ‘Stop Using Sharks in COVID-19 Vaccine – use EXISTING Sustainable Options’. The target for signature was 10,000 and now have reached 9,500.

Source: Mirror

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

GOyang2 for Merdeka, Caltex x Touch ‘n Go Is Giving Malaysians Cashback & Fuel Savings

What’s Merdeka without some extra goyang in your wallet? 🎉 To celebrate Merdeka & Malaysia… Read More

2 hours ago

Mini Labubu Lands on Lazada This 29 August, Don’t Miss the Drop!

Get ready, Malaysia the Mini Labubu invasion is ON! The internet’s favourite ugly-cute icon is… Read More

2 hours ago

Your September–October Watchlist: Food, Drama & Frights

Mark your calendars, TV junkies. September & October are serving drama, food wars, and spooky… Read More

1 day ago

Pandora Talisman Drops, Ancient Coin Energy Meets Modern Vibes

Pandora is flipping the script this autumn with the launch of Pandora Talisman, a jewellery… Read More

1 day ago

LADA Unveils ‘Langkawi Special Deals’ with MAG Partnership to Supercharge Island Tourism

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has launched “Langkawi Special Deals”, a strategic tourism campaign featuring… Read More

1 day ago

Maxim Rolls Out Partner-Driver Legalization Program to Elevate Compliance and Road Safety

Maxim, one of Malaysia’s leading e-hailing platforms, has officially introduced a Partner-Driver Legalization Program designed… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.