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 26, 2012
"The Looming Zoonotic Danger"
Recent decades have seen an unprecedented rise in infectious diseases, 75 percent of which come from animals. Zoonotic diseases cause 2.5 billion cases of human illness each year and 2.7 million human deaths worldwide. Most of these illnesses and deaths are caused by diseases spread from farm animals.
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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 16, 2013
Congressional Votes on Farm Bill Bring Good News, Bad News for Animals
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in taking up the Farm Bill yesterday, approved an amendment to crackdown on spectators at animal fighting ventures, but also approved a destructive, constitutionally questionable amendment to strip states of their right to protect farm animals and other animals from exploitation and abuse.
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May 13, 2013
New Jersey Legislature Overwhelmingly Passes Bill to Protect Pigs
The New Jersey legislature has voted by landslide margins to ban the extreme confinement of breeding pigs in crates so small, they prevent the animals from even turning around for nearly their entire lives. The vote earned applause from The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, Mercy For Animals and the ASPCA.
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May 13, 2013
Tenn. Governor Haslam Vetoes Anti-Whistleblower Bill
Gov. Bill Haslam vetoed the anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” bill, SB 1248/HB 1191, after hearing from thousands of Tennesseans urging the veto and a report deeming the bill constitutionally suspect by the Tennessee Attorney General.
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May 3, 2013
Timeline of Major Farm Animal Protection Advancements
Get a snapshot of The HSUS's advancements for farm animals over the last decade.
