Factory farms
The bird flu may have started with wild birds, but the current risk to humans is directly linked to the poultry industry. “Factory farms” raise birds for slaughter in overcrowded conditions that spread the virus to industry workers as well as to traumatized birds.
Inhumane Killing
The close proximity of people and farmed birds in Asia is transmitting the bird flu virus, and has led to the “culling” of 150 million birds by a horrific killing and disposal process.
Disease from Wild Animals
Contact between wild and domestic farm animals, and the sale of wild animal meat in marketplaces have led to viruses moving from animals to people. Examples of viruses that have crossed the species barrier include SARS, HIV-AIDS, and now the bird flu.
Wild bird habitat
Migratory wild birds are being blamed for the spread of the bird flu, and destroying their wetland habitat has been proposed as a solution in Europe. This counterproductive action would force migrating birds to disperse yet further to find wetland areas, it would cause wetlands to become overcrowded, making weakened birds even more susceptible to infection, and it would create further species and ecosystem loss.
Biodiversity
Diversity of species provides a large gene pool that serves to buffer animals and humans from epidemic disease. Biodiversity may also provide humans with new medicines/cures.
What you can do:
- Vote with your dollars – do not buy poultry products. Without demand for the products of disease-ridden and inhumane factory farms, they will cease to exist.
- Inform yourself and others about the importance of biodiversity and intact ecosystems, and their connection to human health worldwide.
- Support organizations that work to conserve wildlife habitat and biodiversity.
Support international policies that protect the health of global ecosystems and species, and that reduce contact between wildlife and humans.
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