FACTORY FARMING: A PANDEMIC RISK

WILL FACTORY FARMING CAUSE THE NEXT PANDEMIC?

The stakes have never been higher in the fight to end inhumane, unhealthy intensive farming –and a food revolution is in our sights.

In the face of the devastating impact of COVID-19 and its effects on our daily lives, many have understandably yearned to get ‘back to normal’. But unfortunately, when it comes to factory farming, ‘normal’ could trigger the next global pandemic.

As a Compassion supporter, you know all too well that intensive farms are the leading cause of

global animal suffering, as well as being a major contributor to the climate crisis, wildlife habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

These farms are also breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria that threaten human health.

Animals are often stressed, crowded, bred for unnaturally fast growth or high yields, and forced to live in their own faeces. With their immune systems frequently compromised, antibiotics may be overused to compensate for the unhealthy environment. All of these harmful farming practices increase the chances that viruses or bacteria will spread in animals, mutate and become deadly to humans.

You know it’s time to fix this broken system – and now more people around the world are joining your call for a future free from factory farming.

Through Compassion’s teams across Europe, the UK and the USA, we’ve

launched a global petition, calling for a revolution in the way food is

produced. We are urging influential international bodies, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Health Organisation, to replace factory farming with a food system that respects animals, nurtures our planet, and reduces the risk of pandemics.

Farm animals should be kept in higher welfare systems that rear more robust breeds, without overcrowding.

The focus must be on regenerative agriculture, including mixed farming where grazing and arable crops are rotated. This will enrich soil quality and biodiversity, reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and improve animal health.

For humans to live within the world’s resources, there must also be a global reduction in the consumption of animal products.

We need to stop feeding humanedible grains to intensively-farmed animals – who provide fewer calories and less protein than they eat – and instead move towards nutritious human diets centred on plants and plant proteins.

This transformation of our food system is vital for the wellbeing of animals and the environment. It also means that viruses are less likely to spread, mutate and multiply.

And healthier animals need less treatment for bacterial infections, which means life-saving antibiotics may continue to be effective for human, and animal, use.

In short, ending intensive farming is essential to cut the risk of future health crises and reduce the chance of another global pandemic.

It’s no exaggeration to say that, to save countless lives, together we must deliver a food revolution.

If you haven’t already signed the petition for a future free from factory farming – please do so today, at ciwf.org.uk/Pandemic-Petition

WHY IS FACTORY FARMING A PANDEMIC RISK?

• According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three in four new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. Examples include bacteria such as Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), Campylobacter and Salmonella, and viruses including Avian and Swine Influenza.

• Globally, up to 70% of antibiotics are administered to farmed animals – a perfect storm for triggering the spread of drugresistant bacteria.

• Industrial livestock production is a major cause of air pollution, which latest reports say can result in serious respiratory disease that makes people less able to survive COVID-19.

To find out more, read Compassion’s new report, Is the Next Pandemic on our Plate? at ciwf.org.uk/Pandemic-On-Our-Plate

YOU’RE CONVINCING A CONTINENT TO RETHINK FISH

Global Campaigns Manager for Fish Welfare, Sophie Peutrill, reports on how your campaign to protect farmed and wild fish continues to make waves across Europe.

Sophie Peutrill

BRUSSELS: MEPS SPEAK UP FOR FISH

Fish were the talk of the European Parliament in November, with a fantastic turn-out at our Rethink Fish exhibition. This week-long event saw Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from across the political spectrum take to the stage to speak up for fish – delving into the complex and wonderful world of our underwater cousins.

Many MEPs also signed a letter to the influential European Parliament Committee on Fisheries, highlighting the need for species-specific legislation to protect fish on farms and at slaughter. It is truly exciting to witness the growing awareness – and enthusiasm – of EU politicians about the importance of improving the lives of fish.

CENTRAL EUROPE: ENDING A CRUEL TRADITION

Compassion’s Czech and Polish offices have stepped up the campaign to stop the sale of live carp at supermarkets. This cruel practice is centred on the Christmas period, when shoppers buy the animals to slaughter at home.

In late 2019, our powerful Czech ‘Christmas for Carps’ film exceeded a massive 400,000 views. Campaign posters also appeared across Prague, dedicated volunteers took to the streets, and a special ‘life of fish’ advent calendar appeared on social networks. As a result, thousands of petition signatures were secured, demanding the Czech Parliament ban the terrible live carp trade.

Meanwhile, in Poland, our team is working in coalition with VIVA and the Albert Schweitzer foundation. This campaign focuses on retailers, and Kaufland is the latest supermarket chain to declare an end to live carp sales. This means four major supermarkets have now banned the sale of live carp throughout Poland!

THE NETHERLANDS: FISH APPEAR ON THE BIG SCREEN

For two weeks last December, visitors to 34 cinemas across the Netherlands were introduced to Rethink Fish through a powerful ad campaign. Dutch supporters donated a fantastic €20,706 to show tens of thousands of cinema-goers the wonders of

fish intelligence and the horrors of intensive farming. You can watch the film here: ciwf.org.nl/Cinema-Ad.

It is little more than 18 months since the Rethink Fish campaign was launched, and progress so far has been phenomenal.

Across a continent – at international, national and local levels – you are spreading compassion for billions of vulnerable animals. Thank you!

SPREAD THE WORD FOR FISH

We know Compassion supporters understand that fish can think, feel, and experience pain. But what about friends and family who may need more convincing?

Our handy guide to ‘Why Fish Welfare Matters’ explains the amazing intelligence, skills and social lives of fish, and is now available in English, French and Czech – so even more people can be persuaded to Rethink Fish!

WHY FISH WELFARE MATTERS: THE EVIDENCE FOR FISH SENTIENCE

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