Turkeys in Ontario, Canada have now become the second flock known to have contracted the A (H1N1) swine flu virus, following an outbreak in August at two poultry farms in Chile. Meanwhile, pigs in Osaka, Japan became the latest reported to havecontracted swine flu, after pig herd infections were identified in the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, Argentina, Canada and Australia.

The great concern among experts is infection in another species such as bird could cause the swine flu virus to mutate and swap genetic material with other viruses, before jumping back into humans in a potentially more deadly and virulent form. Bird flu’s known fatality rate of 50 percent could also become the trait of a newly mutated swine flu virus.

The current swine flu pandemic is still claiming lives at a relentless rate, with the global death toll now reaching 5,335. Among the countries reporting losses were Iceland with her first fatality, along with Serbia, Scotland, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and India whose 7 new deaths brought the nation’s total to 427. Swine flu infections also continue to spread very rapidly. Official tallies by governments are no longer accurate, making any attempt to define a global total also unrealistic.

We sympathize with the loved ones of those who have perished to the silent tragedy of swine flu. May we all awaken to the life-sustaining importance of the plant-based diet, to safeguard the future of humans and animals alike.

Reference
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