Nice try of a scare tactic by the AAAS! Even bolstered by a research article! I bet many individuals involved in this kind of trade are aware of the dangers involved.
If these mummified remains for sale were obtained or shipped illegally it should be primarily a case for law enforcement.
"... Today, one can find mummified animal and human remains for sale online, part of a growing—and often illicit—global trade. As scientists report in a recent study, dangerous pathogens growing on these items could be exposing sellers, buyers, and postal workers alike to a real mummy’s curse . The researchers analyzed 128 online posts from social media platforms, e-commerce sites, webstores, and auction houses, finding numerous examples of mummified remains showing visible signs of deterioration and fungal growth. Even though some specimens may appear undamaged, the authors warn that any mummified remains with surviving soft tissue will harbor microbes, a risk that is amplified when remains are incorrectly stored. ..."
From the abstract:
"The rise of the internet, especially social media, has amplified international trafficking and driven demand for unique cultural heritage, including mummified humans and animals.
However, these preserved remains pose health and biosecurity risks due to the toxicity of embalming methods and/or suboptimal storage that can promote microbial growth.
This article investigates these risks by analyzing 128 online posts from Meta platforms, e-commerce sites, webstores, and auction houses.
We reveal that mummified remains sold online exhibit signs of biodeterioration, yet sellers provide no safety guidance, suggesting limited awareness or deliberate disregard of hazards.
Posts also reveal noncompliance with postal regulations, underscoring the need for clearer and consistently enforced shipping policies.
Until more effective measures are implemented, the public should remain vigilant and report sales of mummified remains to relevant authorities and professional bodies.
Improved oversight and education are therefore essential to safeguard public health and preserve archaeological remains."
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