Demand for Cheap Chicken and Chops Leads to Cruel, Crowded Conditions That Breed Swine Flu and All Other Flu Viruses

For Immediate Release:
November 3, 2009

Contact:
Shakira Croce 757-622-7382

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Pointing out that 130 people in Florida have already died of pork flu, two "pigs" wearing protective masks will hand out copies of PETA's free "Vegetarian Starter Kit" as PETA members hold placards reading, "Factory Farms Breed Flu--Go Vegan," outside The Jacksonville Landing on Wednesday. The demonstration will take place during the first stop of a PETA tour that is designed to help Floridians understand the causal connection between swine flu and the demand for cheap meat, which encourages the spread of filthy, crowded factory farms.

When:   Wednesday, November 4, 1–2 p.m.

Where:  The Jacksonville Landing, intersection of Independent Drive and Laura Street, Jacksonville

Factory farms are breeding grounds for life-threatening diseases, including swine flu, avian flu, E. coli infection, and others. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 to 50 percent of commercially raised pigs in the U.S. have been infected with some strain of swine flu. Factory-farmed animals are stressed and disease-ridden as a result of being confined to cramped, filthy sheds.

"Factory farms create the 'perfect storm' for deadly disease outbreaks," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Animals' compromised immunity--which results from stress, close confinement, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics--is firmly linked to the development of dangerous microorganisms."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.