The Bird flu virus has killed many big cats already and of course
threatens porcine and avian species also.

As the news breaks this weekend that the world epidemic of Bird flu
has now spread across Europe via migrating swans, it is,
synchronistically, today, the 5th Anniversary of the start of the
world's worst foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic in which between
5 and 8 million animals (mostly healthy and uninfected) were
slaughtered. These included zoo animals.

Have we learned the lessons of the FMD epidemic, as we face this new
crisis?

Tomorrow, a dramatic new novel, "Following Orders", based on the
real events and experiences of a vet in the front line of the FMD
epidemic is published. It is an alarming insight into how desperate
politicians, frightened farmers and compliant professionals can
slide down a slippery slope into ethical and economic catastrophe.
Details of "Following Orders" can be found here:
http://www.polouk.farming.co.uk/stress/STRESSINDEX.HTM

The FMD epidemic was eventually brought under control, but not until
around 6 million healthy farm animals had been killed.


More about Bird flu:
http://www.pighealth.com/influenza2.htm


Mike