Bird Flu Risk Raised

“Birds act as a reservoir for a vast diversity of influenza viruses to which most major human pandemics can trace their origin. But while wild birds may contribute, in part, to the spread of infection, factory farms lie at the heart of the problem as they provide the perfect breeding ground for new and dangerous viruses to emerge.

For example, the H5N1 that caused the 2009 Swine flu pandemic was of avian origin but evolved in a pig farm. The mixing of live pigs from Eurasia and North America, through international trade, created the opportunity for viruses from the different pigs to mix giving rise to what scientists call a ‘quadruple reassortant’ virus containing elements originating from humans, birds, North American pigs and Eurasian pigs. The mutated virus was able to spread from person-to-person, rather like Covid-19, and the outbreak soon became a pandemic. Scientists say it should have been a wake-up call!

As factory farming spreads across the globe, the risk of new infectious diseases spreading through the densely populated sheds rises. Poultry, pigs and other animals kept in horrific conditions are more susceptible to disease due to the extreme stress they experience from their filthy, cramped and inhumane surroundings. Bred for fast growth, their immunity is low. It’s a perfect storm of our own making.”



The government have raised the risk of bird flu hitting the UK – it’s time to end factory farming.

Source: https://www.vivahealth.org.uk/bird-flu-risk-raised

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SPCA Selangor

SPCA Selangor is an animal welfare organisation based in Ampang Jaya, Selangor. The aim of the SPCA is to protect defenseless animals and to alleviate their suffering. We receive more than 700 unwanted, homeless or abused animals every month. We provide an adoption program, investigation of cruelty reports, humane education, assistance to community animal caregivers and run a dedicated, low-cost spay/ neuter clinic. We also lobby the Government and local municipals for humane treatment of animals and harsher penalities for perpetrators of crimes against animals. Founded in 1958, SPCA is a well-respected and trusted Non-Profit Organisation. Over the years, the organisation has gained tremendous goodwill, recognition and support from animal lovers all over Malaysia

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