COVID-19 has claimed the lives of nearly three million people worldwide. Scientists recognize the coronavirus was not the first dangerous microorganism to be passed from animals to humans and is likely not the last. Nearly one million viruses with the potential to infect humans are currently circulating in other animals, according to a United Nations research branch dedicated to biodiversity and ecosystems.

As research institutions ramp up efforts to prevent the next pandemic, California’s Legislature is stepping into the battle with a bill that would bolster agricultural research in the Central Valley.

“A new approach with drastic changes is required to prevent any future pandemic,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado of Sanger, in describing Senate Bill 453 during an Agriculture Committee hearing in March. “California leads the country with its innovation and technology and should remain on the forefront of this healthcare fight, which starts by taking a special look at ground zero for emerging infectious diseases in the state of California.”

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