The recent cases of swine flu have brought attention to the connection and communicability of animal and human pathogens. Filthy, overcrowded factory farm operations are a breeding ground for disease and contribute to the development of virulent pathogens and emerging health threats. 

Alarmingly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) knowingly allows diseased animals to enter the human food supply. USDA slaughterhouse records obtained by Farm Sanctuary under the Freedom of Information Act show that animals with hepatitis, pneumonia, malignant lymphoma, peritonitis and other ailments have been approved for human food. 

Unfortunately, the USDA and most agribusinesses have taken a “don’t look, don’t find” approach to diseases on factory farms. After the discovery of mad cow disease in the U.S., a slaughterhouse in Kansas wanted to test all their animals for mad cow disease. But, amazingly, the USDA went to court to prevent the testing. As Dr. Allan Kornberg, a public health expert and Farm Sanctuary board member, points out in his new article on swine flu, the Canadian pigs found to have likely contracted H1N1 from a farm worker were found because Canadian farmers must report cases of swine flu to the government. In the U.S. swine flu reporting is voluntary, which leaves the industry to self-regulate. 

Influenza and other diseases afflict animals on today’s factory farms and as disease causing microbes continue to evolve, there will likely be other stains that jump from farm animals to infect humans. It’s time to put an end to the spread of factory farming and for the USDA and agribusiness to openly acknowledge the extent to which diseases are present on today’s farms. We can only solve problems when we address them.