Kate Delbeke

Let me preface this by saying: I am a huge proponent of banning intensive farm agriculture in its current form and probably do not need to list the plethora of negative effects it has, not only on the animals involved, but also biodiversity, emissions of greenhouse gasses and human health, not to even mention their potential to function as breeding ground for possibly zoonotic diseases. Although this transition away from factory-farmed meats has already begun in many countries with a push for alternative protein, the ban of hen cages in certain parts of Europe, the ban on gestational crates for pigs in Sweden and Norway, along with other small but relevant steps, it is clear that a global pivot away from industrial agriculture isn't yet around the corner. Some argue we should aim to ban industrial animal farming by 2050 and I'd like to be so hopeful. In the mean time these farms present a huge risk when it comes to communicable diseases. How factory farming fuels the next pandemic Factory farms form the perfect environment for breeding pathogens. An enclosure with thousands of genetically similar animals with elevated stress levels, weakened immune systems, close contact with animals under-ventilated conditions, and oftentimes on a consistent dose of antibiotics. It's almost a textbook example of a perfect place for viruses to evolve. Additionally, due to the use of antibiotics, it is the perfect breeding ground for drug-resistant bacteria. This not only causes outbreaks between animals (of the same species as well as inter species like the spillover of bird flu (H5N1) into dairy cows), but also plenty of chances for transmission between animals and humans due to handling of animals, animal transport, etc. As well as a chance for spillback into animals, allowing the pathogen to further evolve under the radar. The major player here is influenza. Specifically the spillover potential of avian influenza is being closely looked at. Preventing this spread or catchin