With the number of confirmed swine flu cases worldwide increasing to about 6,670, and more new cases confirmed in the US, UK, Canada, along with a first in Belgium, the World Health Organization has stated that up to one-third, or 2 out of 6 billion people worldwide, could become infected. The health authority also warned that the swine flu agent could mutate into a more virulent form and circle the planet several times.

Of the diseases transmitted to humans from animals, more and more are being associated with conditions in factory farms, also known as confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).   In these environments, the sheer number and crowding of animals along with a severe lack of fresh air and sunlight, compromises their immune systems and creates a virus-conducive environment.

CAFO-based pathogens such as Salmonella and E. Coli, originating from animal waste matter, are already known to infect humans worldwide.

During an interview with Supreme Master Television, American award-winning investigative journalist and author David Kirby spoke about his upcoming book “Animal Factory,” which offers in-depth accounts of residents living near factory farms across 13 US states. 

David Kirby (M): Watering eyes, rasping throats, respiratory problems, mood changes – foul smelling air makes you unhappy, believe it or not. And you know, there are much more serious health consequences from the methane and the hydrogen sulfide. Asthma has been proven to be increased, especially in children who live near CAFOs. So it is a very real problem.

The death rate is really pretty high on these farms. Both poultry and pigs, you can expect 2 or 3% of the population in each herd to not make it. Let’s say you have 10,000 pigs and you lose 3%. So you would lose 300 pigs over about a 5-month period, mostly from immune related problems, probably related to the stress being in confinement.

The message, I think, in my book is that everybody should definitely know where their food comes from. You should at least know the other costs that went into purchasing that piece of meat or egg or cheese or whatever it is. That there are environmental costs and societal costs that basically subsidize production of that protein, and we as society and tax payers pay for it, in terms of environmental degradation, public health problems, antibiotic resistance, and other things that literally do cost us money as a society.

VOICE: We are thankful, respected journalist Mr. Kirby, for your dedicated efforts to bring this important health information to the public. With our growing awareness of animal-related disease, surely the choice of plant-based fare is clear in providing the greatest vitality for all.