The World Health Organization reports that the number of swine flu cases has continued to spread, with a total of 7,520 confirmed cases in 37 countries, and 73 confirmed fatalities. Some researchers maintain that one most likely source of the influenza, as well as other pathogens, is industrial-scale livestock operations, such as the one where the first cases of swine flu were reported. Thousands of pigs are housed along with their feces, which are then subjected to high-speed fans. There, the outflowing air, flies, and excrement all could carry pathogens far from the farm to communities, while degrading the natural environment.

Supreme Master Television spoke with Patty Lovera, Assistant Director of Food & Water Watch in the US, about the pollution and health threats inherent in factory farms, where she pointed out the complex range of health problems that arise from untreated manure.

Patty Lovera, Assistant director of Food & Water Watch, USA (F): In North Carolina, for many years in the 90’s, there was this mysterious illness called Pfiesteria. A lot of people concluded that it was coming from a kind of toxic algae that was really thriving on pollution in the water that came from hog facilities.

VOICE: Other types of intensive farms such as chicken operations likewise have a far-reaching impact on the environment and human health.

Patty Lovera (F): A perennial complaint about the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay is the contribution to pollution of the bay made by the chicken factory farms, because they have so much waste. They apply it to fields, but it’s over applied. It’s too much nitrogen, it’s too much phosphorous, and it’s feeding right into the bay.

Supreme Master TV (F): Does that provide any public health threats in rural areas or in city areas?

Patty Lovera (F): Yes it does. For example, in a big body of water like the Chesapeake Bay you see the whole balance be thrown off and different types of algae take over because they’re feeding off the nitrogen and the phosphorous. And that messes up the oxygen levels, it messes up what fish can live there. So you’re really changing that whole ecosystem.

VOICE: Our thanks to Ms. Lovera and Food & Water Watch for your efforts in helping raise awareness of the threats posed by animal farming practices. We continue to pray that the suffering of swine flu is minimized as people across the globe are awakened to the understanding that the simple act of foregoing meat brings health and peace of mind to all lives.