China Promotes Bear Bile as a Basic Treatment for Coronavirus

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, China has recently been promoting an unconventional approach to treat the disease – bear bile. Despite global criticism and concerns about animal cruelty, China’s traditional medicine industry has been heavily marketing bear bile as a basic treatment for the coronavirus.

Bear bile, derived from the gallbladders of bears, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is believed that bear bile possesses potent medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory diseases. However, the practice of extracting bile from live bears has long been condemned by animal rights activists worldwide.

The Chinese government has shown support for TCM and its traditional remedies, including bear bile, by funding research and endorsing their use. In February 2020, the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine released a set of guidelines recommending the use of bear bile products in the treatment of severe and critical cases of COVID-19. This move has sparked outrage from animal welfare organizations and conservationists who argue that the promotion of bear bile for any purpose perpetuates the cruel practice of bear farming.

Bear farming involves keeping bears in captivity and extracting their bile through invasive methods. The process typically involves the insertion of a catheter into the bear’s gallbladder, which remains in place for years, causing extreme pain and suffering. Despite the availability of synthetic alternatives, the demand for bear bile products remains high in China, primarily due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs and industry lobbying.

Critics argue that promoting bear bile as a treatment for the coronavirus not only disregards the suffering of bears but also undermines global efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation organizations have repeatedly highlighted the connection between wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. By endorsing the use of bear bile, China perpetuates the belief that exotic animal parts can be used for medicinal purposes, further fueling the demand for wildlife products and endangering both animal welfare and public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the promotion of bear bile as a treatment for COVID-19. While acknowledging the potential benefits of TCM, the WHO also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and urges countries to prioritize scientifically proven treatments. The organization warns against the consumption of illegal and unregulated wildlife products, which can lead to the transmission of new viruses and potentially worsen the current pandemic.

Despite the controversy surrounding bear bile, China continues to defend its traditional medicine practices. Proponents argue that TCM has a rich history and should be respected and embraced. However, calls for the humane and ethical treatment of animals, as well as the need for evidence-based medicine, cannot be overlooked.

In conclusion, the promotion of bear bile as a basic treatment for the coronavirus reflects China’s commitment to its traditional medicine practices. However, the decision comes at a great cost to animal welfare and global efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade. As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the pandemic, it is crucial for countries to prioritize evidence-based medicine and ethical treatment of animals in their search for effective treatments, leaving behind the use of wildlife products that perpetuate suffering and endanger public health.

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