Don’t Vaccinate Your Chickens Before They Hatch.
August 27, 2010
In response to the recent salmonella crisis, which sickened 1300 people and forced a recall of over half a BILLION eggs, people starting pointing fingers. They pointed at the hens, of course, but also to those roosting in the White House…. the U.S. government.
Nearly a decade ago, Britain faced a similar crisis and was compelled to both recall and restructure. To avoid a repeat of their situation, they made the legal decision to vaccinate their hens against the salmonella bacteria.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, when faced with the same risk, chose NOT to vaccinate their hens… an interesting decision considering that it would only cost them about a penny per dozen eggs. They are now facing harsh criticism from consumers and industry experts who say that an investment then could have prevented the issues now.
Well, I’m pointing fingers too. And it’s not at the hens or the FDA… it’s the commercial-based chicken farms who mass produce eggs. Instead of vaccinating our poultry and ignoring this true root of this problem, why don’t we look to the source? This entire issue could have been PREVENTED by demanding better conditions at these chicken farms. Specifically, that means fewer chickens per square foot and better living conditions for the chickens.
I understand that can sounds ridiculous demanding “better living conditions” for chickens. I’m not saying that they need to lay on chaise lounges and be fed corn de creme… but the general practice right now is to stuff them into ridiculously small cages so that they are forced to sit in their own bacteria-ridden feces. How do we expect a superior product when this in the environment of cultivation?
Furthermore, do we really need more chemicals and medication going into our animal products? We’ve all heard the speculations that vaccines can be linked to cancer and autism and, although it might be a coincidence, Britain has startlingly high rates of both.
The Morals of the Story:
- There is no reason (aside from $$) to resort to chemicals when there are healthier alternatives. The conditions of commercial poultry farms have to change and this should be the catalyst.
- Local organic is the safest bet when you’re dealing with animal products.
