A sinister new effect of globalization and industrialization has arrived -- and it's microscopic
Humans first domesticated animals about 10,000 years ago.
Since then, there has never been a strain of bacteria that has jumped from human to another animal and spread, until recently.
Scientists from the Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh have found that a strain of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus has moved from humans to chickens, according to an October 26 press release issued by the institute, an international center for research on molecular and quantitative genetics of farm animals.
It is believed to be the first evidence of a bacterial pathogen crossing from Homo sapien to another species and then spreading.
Genetic testing revealed that the crossover event occurred about 40 years ago, which coincided with the rise of industrial poultry farming.
The strain found in humans was isolated to one area. However, the chicken strain was found to be global in scope.
"Half a century ago chickens were reared for their eggs, with meat regarded as a by-product," said Dr. Ross Fitzgerald of the Roslin Institute. "Now the demand for meat has led to a poultry industry dominated by a few multinational companies which supply a limited number of breeding lines to a global market -- thereby promoting the spread of the bacteria around the world."
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- Sign a petition to boycott Kentucky Fried Chicken for animal torture until they adopt a comprehensive animal welfare plan
- Find out how green your diet is with the Eating Green Calculator
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- Eat Healthy and Save the World, Simultaneously (January 23, 2009)
- California Passes Landmark Anti-Cruelty Act (November 7, 2008)
- Californians to Vote on Landmark Anti-Cruelty Act (September 22, 2008)
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