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To: Redbob
Does one of those reports discuss the reason that all types of influenza outbreaks originate in China?
Something to do with their odd agricultural practices?

Yes. Humans, pigs, ducks and chickens all live under the same roof.

Very practical in some senses, as fuel is expensive and refrigeration nonexistent.

The peasant grows rice, and vegetables, eats the pigs, ducks, chickens and catfish from the pond. The pigs, ducks chickens, etc. get leftovers and human waste (Which is also used to fertilize the rice, and veggies).

This creates a virtual closed loop. the plants capture energy from the sun, which feeds people, people byproducts feed the animals, which are partially recycled through the people, animal wastes end up in the pond which feeds the catfish which feed the people and animals, the pond water and waste products fertilize the fields.

Round and round it goes.

An ideal system for maximizing the number of pathogens that can adapt to more than one host. In effect every player is eating the other players feces, either directly or once or twice removed.

The problem comes when a pig is infected by both an avian flu strain and a porcine flu strain. A pig cell unfortunate to be infected with both ends up with a soup of genetic material from both in its walls. Some mixing and matching of the DNA/RNA happens.

Voila! A new flu strain!

A few of these new strains can infect humans, a few of those are lethal...

25 posted on 12/27/2004 7:01:16 PM PST by null and void (I refuse to live my life as if someone, somewhere will be offended if I laugh...)
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To: null and void

It happens every year, like clockwork.


26 posted on 12/27/2004 7:20:58 PM PST by Judith Anne (Thank you St. Jude for favors granted.)
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To: null and void

At least, that is the typical excuse from China these days. 'Nuff said.


28 posted on 12/27/2004 7:24:48 PM PST by ex-Texan (Si triste trop mauvais. Revoyez-vous !)
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