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Another highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has emerged, and it’s making its debut in the United States. H5N9, a virus previously unseen in the country, has infected a duck farm in California, triggering the mass killing of nearly 119,000 birds in an attempt to contain the outbreak.&nbsp;This isn't just an unfortunate event or an isolated case of bad luck. It's another predictable consequence of an industry that breeds animals for human use, creating the perfect conditions for deadly viruses to mutate, spread, and potentially make the jump to humans. Every single person who buys duck flesh, a down-filled jacket, or an egg-laden pastry is casting a vote for this to continue.&nbsp;The Viral Incubator &nbsp;Viruses evolve naturally. They always have, and they always will. But animal farming supercharges that process, creating the perfect storm for new, deadlier strains. &nbsp;Industrial farms are packed with genetically uniform animals, confined in filthy, overcrowded sheds where disease spreads like wildfire. Unlike wild populations, where weaker individuals die off before they can infect too many others, farmed animals are kept alive in high-density conditions, ensuring that viruses have maximum opportunities to mutate and spread. &nbsp;Ducks, in particular, are excellent hosts for flu viruses. Unlike chickens, they often don’t show severe symptoms, allowing them to silently carry and spread infections. On this California farm, H5N9 wasn’t the only virus present - H5N1, a strain already responsible for human infections, was found as well. These viruses didn’t just coincidentally meet up; they had the perfect environment to swap genes, creating something new and unpredictable. &nbsp;This is how pandemics become more likely. Not just through random natural mutations, but through human-designed systems that give viruses endless chances to evolve into something that could threaten us all. &nbsp;“Culling”&nbsp;The response to outbreaks like this is always the same: mass killing. Nearly 119,000 ducks have already been destroyed in California, a number that will only grow as the virus spreads. It’s always framed as a necessary measure to "protect public health" and "contain the virus." &nbsp;But here’s the reality: culling is an industry-standard response to an industry-standard problem. It doesn’t stop outbreaks from happening. It doesn’t address the root cause. It just resets the clock until the next viral mutation emerges from the same cycle of forced breeding, cramped confinement, and unnatural selection. &nbsp;If we were serious about stopping these outbreaks, we’d stop creating the conditions that allow them to happen in the first place. But that would mean challenging the entire system of breeding animals for food and fashion - something the industry (and most consumers) would rather not do. &nbsp;Conveniently Forgotton&nbsp;When COVID-19 spread, people were desperate to blame anything but their own actions. The same pattern repeats now. The headlines focus on what’s happening, but not why. &nbsp;The term "zoonotic disease" makes brief appearances, yet it’s rarely linked to what that actually means: humans forcing other species into unnatural conditions and then being surprised when viruses jump the gap. &nbsp;If someone were deliberately cultivating deadly pathogens, we’d call them bioterrorists. When animal agribusiness does it, it’s called business as usual. &nbsp;Voting for the Next Pandemic &nbsp;The truth is, there is no meaningful difference between purchasing duck flesh and paying for the next pandemic. Every non-vegan decision actively funds the conditions that make these viral mutations possible. &nbsp;It's easy to shake your head at "those wet markets in China" while ignoring the fact that bird flu outbreaks are tearing through Western farms year after year. The virus doesn’t care if it’s in a filthy live market or a disinfected factory farm - the conditions are still perfect for evolution, and the end result is the same: outbreaks, mutations, and the ever-present risk of human spillover. &nbsp;Non-vegans aren’t just passive bystanders. They are financial backers of a system that repeatedly brings us to the brink of another global health disaster. &nbsp;The Vegan Alternative &nbsp;People love to act as though there’s no alternative to the way things are. But there is. Viruses like H5N9 only exist in this form because we breed birds for food and fashion. Remove the demand, and the breeding stops. The factory farms shut down. The risk of viral spillover plummets. &nbsp;This isn’t a hypothetical - it’s a direct line from cause to effect. Every vegan meal, every plant-based coat, every decision to reject animal exploitation is a vote against the next pandemic. &nbsp;This is why veganism isn’t just about personal choices. It’s a justice movement. A rejection of an industry that doesn’t just harm animals but actively endangers human lives. &nbsp;Reality Check &nbsp;If a new virus emerged from a lab, the outrage would be deafening. Governments would demand accountability. Investigations would be launched. People would demand action. &nbsp;Yet when an outbreak happens because of factory farms, the response is nothing more than routine culling and a shrug. Why? Because acknowledging the real cause would mean confronting the fact that every non-vegan decision contributes to the problem. &nbsp;The next time you see a headline about a new virus emerging from a duck farm, remember: it’s not a random event. It’s not an unpredictable tragedy. It’s the result of a system that people keep funding with every purchase. And until that stops, the outbreaks won’t.

Another Pandemic in the Making: How Animal Farming Fuels H5N9

For decades, Norway was one of the biggest fur producers in Europe. Cages stacked with minks and foxes, animals pacing in frustration, waiting for the inevitable. But as of the 1st of February 2025, it’s over. The fur farming industry in Norway has officially shut down. The ban, passed back in 2019, finally came into effect.It took long enough. But the important thing is - it happened. A Fur-Free Future in NorwayNorway’s government announced the ban in 2018, sending a clear message: fur farming has no place in a civilised society. They gave fur farmers a transition period, allowing them to shut down operations gradually. That period is now over. No more breeding, no more killing, no more business as usual for the fur trade in Norway.This is a huge win - not just for the animals who will no longer be bred for their fur, but for the entire movement to end their exploitation. Norway was home to around 300 fur farms before the ban was announced. These operations killed hundreds of thousands of animals every year.Now? The cages are empty. Why Did Norway Ban Fur Farming?It wasn’t an overnight decision. The fight to end fur farming in Norway was long and hard. Campaigners, activists, and even veterinarians had been exposing the suffering of animals in fur farms for decades. Investigations showed foxes with open wounds, minks with psychological distress, animals driven mad by confinement.The industry claimed these conditions were “necessary” and “humane.” The reality? It was a horror show.Norwegian politicians eventually couldn’t ignore the evidence. The government acknowledged the ethical concerns and passed the Fur Farming Prohibition Act in June 2019. The goal was clear: phase out fur farming and shut down the industry completely by 2025. Compensation for Fur Farmers - Because, Of CourseOf course, no ban on animal exploitation comes without pushback from those profiting from it. Fur farmers protested. They demanded compensation. And they got it.The Norwegian government allocated around 3 billion Norwegian kroner (about £225 million) to compensate fur farmers shutting down their businesses. This money was supposedly for “loss of livelihood” and “transition support.”Animal agriculture, in all its forms, has always been propped up by government subsidies and payouts. The fur industry is no exception. Farmers make money exploiting animals. When the public rejects it, they make more money shutting down.But let’s be honest - if the only way your business can exist or end is through government handouts, maybe it was never a sustainable business model to begin with. Norway Joins the Growing List of Fur-Free NationsNorway is just the latest country to ban fur farming. Across Europe, country after country has recognised that breeding animals for fur is outdated, unnecessary, and unacceptable.Here’s a quick rundown of other countries that have banned or are phasing out fur farming:United Kingdom – The first country to ban fur farming in 2003. But still importing fur.Austria – Banned fur farming in 2004.Netherlands – Banned fox and chinchilla farming in 2008, with mink farming ending in 2021.Belgium – Banned fur farming in 2018, giving farms until 2023 to close.Czech Republic – Banned in 2017, with all farms closed by 2019.Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia – All banned fur farming in recent years.More bans are coming. Finland, Poland, and Spain are under increasing pressure to shut down their industries. Germany and Sweden have severely restricted fur farming, making it financially unviable.And let’s not forget the biggest fur-producing country in Europe - Denmark. Still churning out mink fur despite public opposition, but that won’t last forever. The writing is on the wall. What About the Fur Industry?The fur trade isn’t happy about Norway’s decision. They know every national ban makes it harder to pretend their industry has a future.They claim bans push production to countries with weaker regulations, like China and Russia. But this argument misses the point. The goal isn’t to regulate fur farming - it’s to abolish it. Countries banning fur are sending a message: this industry is unacceptable. The more countries that shut it down, the more pressure there is on the remaining ones to follow.And let’s be real - fur is dying as a fashion statement. Big brands have been ditching it for years. Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Versace, and countless others have gone fur-free. Even major retailers refuse to stock it.Demand is plummeting, and no amount of industry whining will change that. The UK Needs to Catch UpHere’s the embarrassing part. The UK was the first country to ban fur farming back in 2003. But it still imports and sells fur. That’s right - fur farming is too cruel to happen here, but perfectly fine to bring in from countries where animals suffer just as much.The UK government has been dragging its feet on banning fur sales. Despite overwhelming public support for a full ban, lobbying pressure from the fur industry keeps stalling progress.If Norway, a country that actually had an active fur industry, can ban it entirely, why is the UK still allowing fur to be sold? The Future: A Fur-Free WorldNorway’s fur farming ban is a major step forward. But it’s not the end. The ultimate goal is a world where no animals are bred, trapped, or killed for their fur. That means:More countries banning fur farming – The more bans, the harder it is for the industry to survive.Banning fur sales and imports – A full ban on fur means stopping production and stopping trade.Shutting down fur farms everywhere – No loopholes, no weak “welfare standards,” just abolition.There’s no justification for breeding animals just to strip their fur and discard their bodies. It’s archaic, cruel, and completely unnecessary. Norway Did It. Who’s Next?Now that Norway has banned fur farming, all eyes are on the next big step. Will more countries follow? Will the UK finally ban fur sales?One thing’s for sure - the fur industry is running out of places to hide.

Norway’s Fur Farming Ban Is Finally Here 🇳🇴

Antibiotic resistance - two words that sound like the plot of a dystopian sci-fi novel but are very much the reality we’re facing. Bacteria are becoming harder to kill, antibiotics are becoming less effective, and once-treatable infections are now potentially deadly. While scientists work to develop new drugs, the inconvenient truth is that one of the biggest culprits behind this crisis isn’t hiding in some secret lab. It’s on your plate.Let’s not mince words: the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture is a ticking time bomb. Yet the role of animal farming in creating and spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria is something too few people want to confront. So here’s the blunt question: are you contributing to this global health crisis, or are you vegan? Factory Farms: Breeding Grounds for ResistanceAntibiotics are powerful tools in medicine, designed to save lives by fighting infections. But in animal agriculture, they’re used for a very different reason. Animals in factory farms are often kept in cramped, filthy conditions that would make an inspector’s head spin if they weren’t from within the industry. These environments are so disease-prone that farmers routinely dose animals with antibiotics—not to treat sickness, but to prevent it. In fact, up to 70% of all antibiotics used worldwide are given to farmed animals, not humans.It doesn’t stop there. Low doses of antibiotics are also used to fatten animals up faster—a bizarre, profit-driven side effect discovered decades ago. The result? A perfect storm. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics in small doses over long periods, they learn how to survive. They adapt. Bacteria can reproduce every 20 minutes, they evolve right before our eyes. They become resistant. And when these antibiotic-resistant bacteria spill out of farms - through animal waste, contaminated water, or even the meat itself - they enter the wider environment, including our food chain.Still feel good about that burger? Antibiotics on Your Plate (and Beyond)If you think this doesn’t affect you, think again. The next time you sit down to a meat-heavy meal, you’re not just consuming animal flesh; you’re also ingesting traces of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacteria, and the consequences of a broken system. When people eat meat from animals raised on antibiotics, they risk introducing resistant bacteria into their gut microbiomes. Those bacteria don’t just hang out quietly; they have the potential to spread resistance to other microbes.And it’s not just food. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria travel. They seep into soil and water systems, hitch rides on workers’ clothing, and even make their way into urban centres. This isn’t just a farming problem - it’s an everyone problem.It is estimated that bacterial resistance was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.&nbsp; The Cost of ResistanceWhat does antibiotic resistance mean in real terms? It means more people dying from simple infections. It means routine surgeries, childbirth, and even minor cuts becoming risky ventures. It means diseases that were once easy to treat - like urinary tract infections or pneumonia - becoming potentially fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that if we don’t act now, by 2050 antibiotic resistance could kill 10 million people per year. That’s more than cancer.And guess what? All the handwashing, mask-wearing, and hand sanitiser in the world won’t fix this problem if we keep enabling it through animal agriculture. The system itself is rotten, and antibiotics are just one tool keeping it duct-taped together. Plantbased diets: A Solution in Plain SightHere’s where the conversation shifts. By removing animal products from your diet, you’re cutting your support for an industry that guzzles antibiotics.Consider the impact. If everyone went vegan, the demand for farmed animals would vanish. No factory farms, no crowded pens, no routine antibiotic use. Antibiotic resistance would still exist - it’s a natural phenomenon - but the biggest, most preventable source of resistance would be eliminated.The meat and dairy industries are driving this crisis, and choosing veganism is one of the most effective ways to stop fuelling the fire. The Cognitive Dissonance ProblemHere’s the wild part: many people who worry about antibiotic resistance don’t think twice about eating animal products. They’ll cry for their relative who died from a drug-resistant “superbug” and then include chicken wings at the wake buffet.It’s the same cognitive dissonance that lets people mourn their dog while eating a pig, or denounce deforestation while eating a steak.The truth is, we’re conditioned not to make these connections. Advertising, cultural norms, and the sheer ubiquity of animal products make it easy to compartmentalise. But at some point, we have to ask ourselves: if we’re genuinely concerned about public health, why aren’t we acting on the biggest contributors to these crises? What About "Sustainable Meat"?Some people cling to the idea of "sustainable" or "antibiotic-free" meat as a get-out-of-guilt-free card. Let’s debunk that right now. Antibiotic-free labels might sound reassuring, but they don’t address the core issue: animal farming itself. Even without antibiotics, factory farms still concentrate animals in unsanitary conditions, creating breeding grounds for disease. And while free-range or organic systems might use fewer antibiotics, they’re still part of a system that exploits animals and depletes resources.Let’s not pretend that slapping a green label on meat fixes anything. The Bigger PictureAntibiotic resistance isn’t just an animal farming issue; it’s a justice issue. The overuse of antibiotics disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially in low-income regions where access to healthcare is limited. When resistant infections spread, it’s often the poorest communities that suffer most.And then there’s the environmental fallout. Factory farms generate massive amounts of waste, much of it laced with antibiotics and resistant bacteria. This waste contaminates water supplies, harms wildlife, and disrupts ecosystems. Again, this isn’t just about what’s on your plate - it’s about the world we all share. It’s Not Too LateThe good news? This is a crisis we can do something about. Choosing veganism isn’t just a personal decision; it’s a statement against the systems driving antibiotic resistance. It’s a way of saying, “I refuse to contribute to this injustice.”And if you’re already vegan, take this information and spread it. Educate others. Hold the industry accountable. Push for policies that restrict antibiotic use in farming and support plant-based agriculture. Every conversation, every social media post, every choice matters. The Bottom LineThe question is simple: are you part of the solution or part of the problem? Are you contributing to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant diseases, or are you vegan? There’s no grey area here. The stakes are too high, and the evidence is too clear.So the next time someone talks about antibiotic resistance, ask them what’s on their plate.

The Industry Behind Tomorrow’s Plagues

The innovative race for plant-based seafood alternatives is heating up and Revo Foods stands out by venturing beyond traditional fish substitutes to introduce a vegan octopus named "The Kraken - Inspired by Octopus." Crafted from mycoprotein, a nutrient-rich protein from fungi mycelium, this product mimics the texture and taste of octopus tentacles, complete with a realistic appearance, including suction cups and a purple hue. The Kraken can be enjoyed in various dishes, either cooked or straight from the package. This new product presents another opportunity for us to reconsider our dietary choices and the impact they have on sentient beings.Octopuses are among the most intelligent and emotionally complex creatures in the ocean, known for their remarkable problem-solving abilities, use of tools, and capacity for play.&nbsp;Available across much of Europe, The Kraken targets not only vegans but also meat-eaters interested in reducing their meat consumption, reflecting a broader trend towards plant-based diets. Priced at €5.99 for a package containing three tentacle pieces, it offers an accessible option for those looking to explore seafood alternatives.This development is particularly timely, given the rise of octopus farming, which involves capturing and raising these highly intelligent animals for food.This plant-based octopus substitute is not merely an alternative; it's a statement against the commodification of sentient life, urging us to consider a path that respects the complexity and value of all creatures, encouraging a shift towards more ethical and compassionate dietary choices. In the 21st century we can enjoy all of the flavours of the sea without contributing to the suffering of its inhabitants.

Sea Change: The Kraken

A large, fat, and woolly farm sheep lays its head on the ground near a clump of poop. The ewe is looking straight ahead and its ears are pointing up. The sheep's coat is dirty and in need of shearing

Two agricultural students are facing charges of "causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and criminal damage" following the brutal killing of a sheep on the South Downs in Sussex. Sussex Police confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old from Kent, both allegedly affiliated with Plumpton College's Agriculture department. Two additional individuals are being treated as key witnesses.The incident unfolded on the night of Thursday, November 2nd when students divulged the gruesome details to farmer Michael Lunn, under whom they were apprenticed at Coopers Farm in Hadlow Down. Lunn, horrified by the account, revealed that the four individuals had callously attacked the sheep by kicking them in the head while they were still alive. They then opened them up, inserted a firework, and detonated it, resulting in their gruesome death.Superintendent Rachel Swinney emphasised the seriousness of the investigation, urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward. Plumpton College responded with swift action, suspending all four students during the ongoing police inquiry. College Principal Jeremy Kerswell expressed profound dismay, emphasising that the incident does not reflect the institution's expected standards of behaviour or its commitment to animal welfare.Despite this, Lunn, speaking to Sussex Express, insisted that expulsion should be the consequence for the guilty students. But this is NOT an isolated incident, in 2017 at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire students were expelled and suspended for posting cruel acts on Snapchat, including harming a fox cub, a protected badger, and a staff member's cat. Concerns were raised about the lack of significant consequences, allowing such individuals to potentially enter the animal farming industry.In a disturbing incident in February 2023, students from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester displayed a dead fox during a charity event, attaching them to the roof of a car in a rodeo-themed spectacle. Despite public outcry, Gloucestershire police did not identify any criminal activity in this case.These incidents won't startle animal rights advocates familiar with the inherent and systemic abuse embedded in animal agriculture. What distinguishes these cases from the grim backdrop of routine animal abuse is the underlying motivation - profit. The daily acts of sexual assault, confinement, and mutilation inflicted upon animals are driven by financial gain with random acts of violence, while common in the industry, having no justification in society.Of course, none of this is justified. Financial motives cannot excuse animal abuse. Vegans exemplify daily that a fulfilling life is possible without intentionally causing harm much less revelling in it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/expel-students-involved-in-animal-cruelty-at-plumpton-college-and-ensure-legal-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.change.org/p/expel-students-involved-in-animal-cruelty-at-plumpton-college-and-ensure-legal-action">SIGN THE PETITION: Expel Students Involved in Animal Cruelty at Plumpton College and Ensure Legal Action</a> <h1 class="corgi-hgie56" data-qa="petition-title"> </h1>

Agriculture Students Arrested for Firework Attack

A sheep dubbed “Britain’s loneliest sheep,” has become the center of a scandalous media frenzy. Fiona's ordeal involving her prolonged isolation on a perilous cliffside in the Scottish Highlands, has culminated not in salvation but a gross betrayal. After a harrowing two years spent alone, battling for survival, Fiona's so-called "rescue" is nothing short of a disgrace - a stark display of humanity’s callousness.The situation escalated when the activist group Animal Rising, whose intention was to transfer Fiona to the safety of a sanctuary, was outmaneuvered by farmers who unscrupulously whisked her away to a petting zoo - a place synonymous with animal exploitation.This ewe, who valiantly fended for herself in harsh conditions, now faces a life shackled by the whims of human entertainment. The grim reality is that the petting zoo is no safe harbor; it's a venue where animals are commodified, subjected to constant handling and stress, and Fiona's anticipated fate is a cruel testament to this.The outcry from animal rights campaigners has been seismic, yet the gravity of Fiona's predicament seems lost on the masses, who are hoodwinked by the facade of a ‘rescue.’ This incident isn't just about Fiona; it exposes the systemic abuse that is rampant in sheep farming - an industry marred by unchecked cruelty, where sheep are bred to overproduce wool and are subjected to barbaric shearing practices, all in the name of profit.What transpired on November 4th, when Fiona was hauled up from the cliff in a canvas sack, wasn’t a rescue - it was a hijacking. The farmers’ audacity to execute such a maneuver, one that undermines Animal Rising’s compassionate efforts, is appalling. Their alliance with a landowner, who only saw fit to act under the pressure of bad press and royal discomfort, is a chilling reminder of how far we are from a just world for animals.Even as Fiona remains a pawn in a larger scheme of exploitation, the fight for her freedom continues. The public’s outrage must now be channeled to ensure that she, and countless others like her, are not merely shuffled from one form of captivity to another. It’s not just about rescuing an animal; it’s about dismantling an entrenched system of exploitation, piece by piece.In a just society, Fiona’s story wouldn’t be a footnote but a catalyst for change, leading to a future where every sheep is recognized not by the wool on their back or the label of 'lonely,' but as individuals worthy of a life free from human-induced suffering.Sign the petition: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/free-fiona-for-britains-loneliest-sheep-to-spend-her-life-peacefully-at-a-sanctuary/" data-mce-href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/free-fiona-for-britains-loneliest-sheep-to-spend-her-life-peacefully-at-a-sanctuary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Free Fiona - For Britain's Loneliest Sheep to Spend her Life Peacefully at a Sanctuary</a><figure id="figure-u7fpmauejloneeswg"><iframe id="u7fpmauejloneeswg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8vYNe1SPOQ" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/g8vYNe1SPOQ?si=g7GmVlFBOXOW5kde" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8vYNe1SPOQ" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Herbivore Club

ARTICLES

Another Pandemic in the Making: How Animal Farming Fuels ...

Norway’s Fur Farming Ban Is Finally Here 🇳🇴

The Industry Behind Tomorrow’s Plagues

Sea Change: The Kraken

Agriculture Students Arrested for Firework Attack

‘Britain’s Loneliest Sheep’