Influenza is scientists' top pick for humanity's next killer plague. Up to 60 million Americans come down with the flu every year. The next pandemic virus may be manufactured in the filthy conditions common in factory farms, where chickens are packed together by the tens or hundreds of thousands in utter filth, allowing viruses to spread rapidly from bird to bird and mutate into very dangerous strains.
A Virus of Our Own Hatching
The HSUS's Dr. Michael Greger literally wrote the book on this virus. As Virology Journal said, "Greger’s superb story-telling ability makes every page of the book interesting and fascinating for both specialist and layperson." Buy it here.
Learn MoreNews & Events
-
September 6, 2011
Global Pandemic the Subject of New Thriller "Contagion"
In the film “Contagion,” opening in theaters September 9, a global pandemic is born when humans come into contact with an infected, slaughtered pig. Michael Greger, M.D., HSUS director of public health and animal agriculture, says there’s as much potential fact as fiction in the scenario, but his focus is on how, and where, such a virus is likely to be born.
-
October 26, 2009
Article Points to Human and Animal Welfare Costs of Long-Distance Farm Animal Transport
A chapter in the upcoming book Handbook of Disease Outbreaks: Prevention, Detection and Control implicates the long-distance transport of farm animals in the spread of human and animal diseases. Dr. Michael Greger, director of public health and animal agriculture for The HSUS, co-authored the chapter.
-
August 8, 2008
The HSUS and HSLF Applaud NY Bill to Protect Human and Animal Welfare
The HSUS and HSLF commend New York Gov. Paterson for signing legislation to protect public health and animal welfare by regulating the slaughter of birds and other animals at live poultry markets.
Our Victories
-
December 29, 2011
A Historic Year for Farm Animals
In 2011, The HSUS joined the United Egg Producers to press for legislation phasing out the egg production using barren battery cages. We summarize this effort and our progress for farm animals in other areas.
-
June 7, 2011
Progress for Egg-Laying Hens
Summarizes the progress made for egg-laying hens since the No Battery Eggs campaign began in 2005.
-
February 7, 2011
USDA Proposes New Protections for Downer Veal Calves
In response to a legal petition filed by The HSUS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has tentatively approved new rules to protect downed veal calves – those unable even to stand – from slaughter abuse.
-
June 30, 2010
Landmark Ohio Animal Welfare Agreement Reached Among HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Gov. Strickland, and Leading Livestock Organizations
A deal struck among The HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues.