Intensive animal farming increasing risk of human illness

Intensive farming of animals is making food less nutritious and increasing the risk of diseases spreading from animals to humans. A group of international scientists has warned that moving animals from grass-based feed to the predominantly grain-based

feed used for intensive farming may eventually lead to widespread mental illness. The researchers say that using grain-based feed results in relatively higher levels of omega-6 lipids in humans compared to omega-3 lipids. One scientist said of the finding, “We are facing a health crisis more serious and more dangerous than that posed by obesity in the West.”

Elevated levels of omega-6s and lower levels of omega-3s are linked to depression and behavior issues.

Another study by researchers from the US and China has found that avian influenza is mutating into more deadly strains that may prove significantly more fatal for mammals, including humans. A comparison of strains of avian influenza from 1999/2000 and 2001/2002 showed that the latter group was significantly more pathogenic to mice during laboratory tests. The increased risk to mammals has prompted the researchers to call for quick and decisive action from government and industry. Avian influenza has been found on chicken farms in several states in the US, most recently in Texas.

“Food Defect Could Make Thousands Mentally Ill,” The Guardian, Robin McKie, June 27, 2004
http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,2763,1248371,00.html

“Study: Bird Flu Mutating into More Deadly Threat,“ Reuters via Planet Ark, Maggie Fox, June 29, 2004
http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25744/story.htm

“Texas Finds another Case of Bird Flu,” Washington Times, June 23, 2004
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040623-045035-6457r.htm

Source - www.FarmedAnimal.net