According to a new Chinese study published in the December issue of the Journal of Virology, a strong link exists between live animal markets where birds are being slaughtered for meat and human viral infections.

In environmental samples tested from the areas surrounding six live bird markets that infected patients had visited before they caught the virus, 12 highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu viruses were foundin four of the markets.

Speaking of the growing possibility for a new and more severe form of infection that could arise, the researchers wrote, "The sporadic cases of human H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza… the H5N1 outbreaks in birds, and the simultaneous circulation of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus raise concern that a deadly re-assortment
virus may emerge."

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO), also known as factory farms, are already known to be potent reservoirs of bacterial infection, with viral transmission now also being confirmed between animals and humans.

Many thanks, Chinese scientists for these findings that reaffirm the danger of cruel and unhygienic confined animal conditions. May plant-based fare soon become the norm for all beings to coexist in humane health and peace of mind.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-12-molecular-evidence-links-poultry-human.html