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
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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.
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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.
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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
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May 15, 2012
Timeline of Major Farm Animal Protection Advancements
Get a snapshot of The HSUS's advancements for farm animals over the last decade.
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May 7, 2012
Safeway Announces Progress Toward Gestation Stall-Free Pork Supply Chain
Safeway, Inc., announced today that it will begin formulating plans to have a gestation stall-free supply chain for the pork products they sell.
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May 1, 2012
The HSUS Recognized with Webby Award for Outstanding Smithfield Exposé
The Humane Society of the United States is proud to receive a 2012 Webby People's Voice Award for the video “Undercover at Smithfield.” The video chronicles an HSUS investigation of the largest pork producer, which documented inhumane treatment of pigs and led to a positive commitment by the company to improve its animal welfare practices.
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March 12, 2012
Harmful “Ag Gag” Bill Fails in Indiana -- The Humane Society of the United States Praises Legislature
The Humane Society of the United States praised the Indiana legislature for holding fast and refusing to pass S.B.184, a bill aimed at criminalizing whistleblowers who expose animal abuse, unsafe working conditions, environmental destruction and other illegal and unethical activities on farms.