The following statement on the reintroduction of the Pigs and Public Health Act by Rep. Escobar may be attributed to Frances Chrzan, Senior Federal Policy Manager at Mercy For Animals:
For years, experts have warned about the zoonotic disease threat factory farming poses. With the current, unprecedented outbreak of bird flu in the United States, it is past time for the federal government to address public health threats born of industrial animal agriculture. Mercy For Animals commends Congresswoman Escobar (D-TX) for her unwavering commitment to protecting public health and her reintroduction of the Pigs and Public Health Act in Congress, which targets the most vulnerable pigs — those too sick, injured or weak to stand. If passed, the bill would empower agricultural workers to report human rights and animal welfare violations and require the government to track pathogens linked to downed pigs. Mercy For Animals urges Congress to take these proactive steps to prevent future pandemic risks.
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