A letter dated August 28, 2026, from Yves Milan Ngangay, director general of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), was sent to several Congolese public institutions, temporarily halting CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) export permits for primates. This measure comes in response to the ongoing Ebola virus epidemic, including the Bundibugyo variant, which has been affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since May 2026. The letter explains that the temporary suspension is based on a "precautionary principle" aimed at protecting primates, which are highly susceptible to the virus and face a very high mortality rate if infected, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. Félix Bofeko, a Congolese primatologist and specialist in Bonobo (Pan paniscus) habituation at the Salonga National Park in northern Congo, supports the decision. He believes the measure will help with in situ conservation of primates and reduce the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases. "Humans are reservoirs that can carry pathogens that are benign for them; but once in contact with wild animals, these pathogens can become virulent and lead to the decimation of animal populations," Bofeko explained to Mongabay by telephone. Julie Sherman, an American biologist and executive director of the American NGO Wildlife Impact, agrees with the decision. Her organization focuses on wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and habitat protection. Sherman emphasizes the importance of reducing the trade in primates such as gorillas to prevent the spread of diseases and to protect vulnerable populations. Her comments align with the broader scientific community's concern about the risks associated with wildlife trade during health crises. The temporary suspension of primate exports reflects a growing awareness of the complex relationship between human activity, wildlife health, and disease transmission. Conservationists and public health officials are increasingly advocating for policies that prioritize both animal and human well-being in times of outbreak. This move by the ICCN may set a precedent for future conservation strategies in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Ebola crisis.