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[wgal.com]
More avian flu found at another chicken farm in Lancaster County, PA. Will it jump species?

Organist1 8 Apr 25
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It jumped from migratory birds to domestic bird flocks. A few mutations could allow it to jump to mammals

That's how some epidemics start, like the H5N1 epidemic in Hong Kong. One of my favorite books is the well-researched "The Coming Plague" by science writer Laurie Garrett, who was interviewed heavily at the beginning of the COVID epidemic, because she had predicted a similar scenario way back in 1994. Of course, she didn't predict Trump and his cronies making it worse.

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It has in the past so it could.

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This is what comes with our infatuation with meat. Good thing we don't have diseases jumping from fruits and vegetables to humans.

Disease usually finds a way; that's what it does best.

@Organist1 So far, the serious epidemics are zoonotic in nature. It means (as you know) from animals not plants.

@JackPedigo Viruses have one job to do, and they usually find the easiest route by which to do it. Animals are much more convenient vectors then plants, who do not move or breathe, as far as we know (but that's a whole other story, as we now suspect they do communicate, and possibly have language).

@Organist1 I agree there is still sooo much more to learn of which we have no idea. And another part of the convenience of animals is that we come in close contact with them and use them for food. We do the same with plants but zoonosis is from animals usually vertebrates. Have yet to hear of a plant with a back bone. It is another example of how our hard core habits have consequences for all.
[en.wikipedia.org]

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Our control methods ,(testing, cleaning, disinfecting, isolation, and euthanasia when discovered) can be very effective in stopping the spread. The biggest threat comes when workers are unknowingly exposed. If they are vaccinated and follow protocols, the chance of species jump is minimized.

Yes...all those are in place at an area which is known to have avian flu.

@Organist1 There are outbreaks of animal diseases every year, and the Dept. of Agriculture responds with draconian measures to preserve our food and ag resources. It is viewed as a cost of doing business. The Ag Dept also backs the insurance for growers to minimize the loss. It is also the reason that inspection stations are set up to stop the transport of uncertified animals and plants.

Had we not had the 2 year lockdown due to an animal disease, this would not have made more than a blip on the local news.

@glennlab Yes, in this and other developed countries. As we have experienced, it is not enough. Oh, let the republicans and tRumpers take charge and all bets are off.

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