A mad rush is currently underway to create an effective vaccine for Covid-19, the deadly virus that has been claiming lives across the globe. But experts fear that upwards of a half million sharks will be sacrificed to create the vaccine that could be used to protect people in the U.S.
Sky News reports that vaccines often contain Squalene, a substance used to create a stronger immune response in vaccines. Wikipedia explains the substance:
Squalene is a natural organic compound originally obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil (hence its name, as Squalus is a genus of sharks), although plant sources (primarily vegetable oils) are now used as well, including amaranth seed, rice bran, wheat germ, and olives.
It takes approximately 3,000 sharks to obtain a ton of squalene and Shark Allies, out of California, estimates that two doses of the vaccine for every person in America, will result in the sacrifice of 500,000 sharks. Shark Allies outlines the endangered sharks who are at risk:
What isn’t so widely known is the fact that countless of other sharks are used for their liver oil, including the most charismatic megafauna of the shark realm. Amongst them are Great Whites, Whale Sharks, Makos, Basking Sharks, Silkies, Sandbars, Bulls, Tigers, Threshers, the list is unfortunately endless. Adding to the concern is the fact that of these sharks, 5% are critically endangered, 7% endangered, 9% vulnerable, 9% near threatened, 31% least concern and 39% data deficient according to the ICUN Red List. And keep in mind that “data deficient” does not mean “in the clear,” it just means there is not enough information to classify.
There is some hope for sharks – scientists are trying to find a synthetic version of Squalene that can be obtained from sugar cane.
(Image from Pixabay)
Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for more news, updates and petitions.
Share the message, we must Respect All Life!
Own your own one-of-a-kind design! All sales help support the continuation of our site. Pick your favorite color and style at this link.
There is no us. There is no them. We are one! Purchase your one-of-a-kind mug at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
I love paws! Please pick your favorite color and style at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
The cutest friends you’ll ever see!
Karma is a b*tch. Choose kindness! Our unique design spreads an important message! Choose your favorite color and style at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
Fight animal abuse! Donate Now
MUST WORK HARD AND FAST ON THE SYNTHETIC VERSION!
I hope that the medication companies use the alternative vegetarian versions vs. the “shark” versions…….
If the entire planet’s populace must be vaccinated every year, we won’t have any sharks left unless we do use the alternative vegetarian versions……