WHILE attention is understandably focused on preparing to treat people who have caught swine flu, it is vital that governments put serious resources into examining its causes as well.
We are lucky that the recent avian flu outbreak hasn’t yet turned into a deadly pandemic – and we desperately hope that the current swine flu outbreak won’t turn into one.
Evidence is mounting of how intensive pig and poultry farming can make it more likely that flu viruses dangerous to human health will develop. The Green Party called on the government to commission a study into the causes years ago when fears over avian flu appeared. Right now is the time to properly research what role intensive farming has in the development of deadly flu viruses. We need work on prevention as well as treatment.
FELICITY NORMAN, Green Party European Election candidate
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