Over 50% Indians concerned the next pandemic could come from farm animals

A public poll, also from World Animal Protection, shows that 52 per cent Indians are deeply concerned that the next pandemic could come from farm animals. Globally, 4 out of 5 people, surveyed across 15 countries for the poll, had similar concerns. Over 15,000 people were surveyed for the poll and most were also unaware of the superbug threat from factory farming.

"This report and the poll are clear reminders of the growing risks of giving antibiotics to farm animals. Using these antibiotics on animals has severe repercussions on the health of the animals and eventually on the health of the people who end up consuming them. We urge consumers to demand better from the fast food restaurants they eat at and ensure better treatment of animals in factory farms," said Gajender K Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection India.

If the pandemic is the flash flood that has taken us by surprise, the superbug crisis is the only too predictable slow rising tide. We can't ignore the contribution that the overuse of antibiotics in factory farming is having on the rise in antibiotic resistance - it is a ticking timebomb that could make the current public health crisis even worse if antibiotics are ineffective in treating secondary infections, said Jacqueline Mills, Head of Farming, World Animal Protection.

World Animal Protection is calling for the end of factory farming, reduced production and consumption of farm animal products and for all remaining farm animal production to be high welfare.