Deadly Pig Diarrhea Virus Mutates as Death Toll Rises

In the latest installment of the factory farming industry’s breeding-deadly-diseases saga, scientists have identified a new strain of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), one that is just as virulent as the original strain.

Spread from pig to pig via infected feces, which cover just about every surface of unsanitary farm facilities, PEDv is nearly 100 percent fatal and has claimed the lives of at least 8 million animals (about 10 percent of the U.S. pig population) since it was discovered in 2013.

Researchers believe the new form of the virus mutated to outpace any immunity pigs developed to the first strain. Filthy conditions on factory farms have fanned the flames and allowed the disease to spread to epidemic proportions.

Even if the millions of PEDv victims had survived the disease, they would have been slaughtered only weeks or months later to satisfy people’s appetites for ham, bacon, and other pork products.

You can spare pigs from both deadly diseases and needless slaughter by choosing a compassionate vegan diet. Recipes, meal plans, and health tips on ChooseVeg.com can help you get started.