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December 5, 2011

Swine flu starts in pigs but then makes humans sick

The alarming news about the new swine flu strain that has sickened three children in Iowa -- and seven other people in Pennsylvania, Maine and Indiana -- should make us think twice about raising pigs and other animals for food.

Swine flu has that name because it afflicts pigs. The virus thrives on pig farms, where tens of thousands of pigs are packed in filthy, damp sheds that stink of urine and feces.

It's not unusual for the viruses that cause swine flu, bird flu and other illnesses to mutate into a pathogenic form and sicken humans.

Seven of the 10 people who've developed swine flu so far have been in close contact with pigs or with individuals who were around pigs.

Experts believe that the virus may involve limited person-to-person contact.

If we don't want pigs or other farmed animals to be our downfall -- either through animal-borne diseases or through heart disease, diabetes or cancer, it's time we re-evaluate the way we treat them and perhaps even the way we eat.

Heather Moore

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Va.

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