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First case of walrus dying from bird flu recorded in Arctic (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Bird flu and quick spread of it is likely caused by massive poultry farms, human induced transfer by trade, and transference from contaminated boots combined with travel.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Viruses have been mutating and spreading around the planet long before human ancestors even existed. Infact, a significant part of our genome are old viruses. We wouldn't exist as we do without viruses spreading and mutating

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago

So? Does that at all invalidate the argument that humans have changed the way, speed and reach of viral infections and viral mutations? It's like saying humans have always gathered in groups. Sure, but modern metropolitan areas come with their own challenges that differ from tribal cultures.

Poultry that has been bred in a way that reduces variety, with more on a certain square footage, with more being transported outside of their natural habitat and migratory range. The problem shouldn't be exaggerated, but human influence shouldn't be ignored.