At least if we want to stop the next pandemic. Vox's Kenny Torrella explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Empty shelves of eggs in a New York City supermarket. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices