THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES
We are stuck in a vicious circle caused by the same patterns of behavior that prevent us from seeing clearly because we are too busy dealing with the consequences instead of understanding, recognizing and dealing with the real cause of the problem.
When you look at how humanity treated animals in the past and continues to treat them today, worse than ever before, in higher numbers than ever before, it should not come as a surprise to us that we are now being confronted with the consequences of our disrespectful behavior towards nature and the animal kingdom and the worth of life, in general.
Pandemics are not the animals’ fault, but humans.
Viruses and bacteria have always been present on this planet and have infested all kinds of different species around the globe throughout history and caused reduction and/or the extinction. Extinction is a natural phenomenon: After all, more than 90 percent of all organisms that have ever lived on Earth aren’t alive today, due to different reasons and happenings.
Viruses and bacteria naturally exist and they have also regulated nature and the animal world, but with what we are presented with today, global pandemics to this extent in this speed, as well as the rapid growth of global warming (climate change), humans alone are to blame for.
“Humans have made the extinction of species worse, accelerating natural extinction rates due to our role in habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, disease, overfishing, and hunting.”
- Liz Langley, National Geographics
ZOONOTIC DISEASES AND HOW THEY OCCUR
Zoonotic diseases (like currently COVID-19), also known as zoonoses, are caused by germs that jump from non-human animals to human animals. They transmit to humans due to the close connection between people and animals.
To name a few diseases of a zoonotic origin: Coronavirus, Influenza, Salmonella, Lyme Disease, Rabies, Mumps, Ebola, HIV, etc.
But what causes viruses and bacteria to occur in animals in the first place, which then find a way to mutate to transmit to humans? It seems so obvious once we start looking where we need to be looking.
As we push back the boundaries of the last wild places on earth – by cutting down the forest for animal farms as well as plantations for mostly animal feed – wildlife viruses interact with crops, the livestock and, in the final stage, with humans.
The husbandry, trade, and objectification of non-human animals create one problem after another causing all kinds of diseases. And we still wonder?
The hunt for wild animals, the captivity, and exploitation of the so-labelled livestock animals in tiny spaces and global markets allowing free trade in live animals (including their eggs, sperm, and meat), provide the perfect breeding ground for the emergence, mutation, and transmission of all kinds of diseases.
And we still blame certain animal species and make them the target of all evil, as well as other nations and their actions, instead of questioning our own decisions, actions, and ways of thinking that make us part of this global problem.
It is way easier to blame someone else because we don't have to change anything by doing so, don't we?
BREAKING THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION BY BREAKING THE CHAIN OF OPPRESSION AND EXPLOITATION
If we break down everything, where viruses and bacteria come from and why they are transmitted to humans, we will always get to the point where we have to ask ourselves this one question:
What is the true origin of animal husbandry, trade, use, abuse that leads to higher risks of zoonotic diseases and how can they be avoided?
1. RECOGNIZE THE CONDITIONING AND REPROGRAM YOUR VALUES
The simplest and very first step and the most important one is to recognize the discrimination of some animal species (speciesism) which states higher worthiness of some and calls others food/clothing/entertainment and disrespects their life.
Respect all animals, their autonomy, their rights, and their habitat. We need to stop exploiting them for our profit, pleasure (taste buds), habits, traditions, and convenience. This starts with the way of thinking about them and seeing them all as worthy. Because who are we, to decide who’s worthy of life and who isn’t?
2. STOP EATING ANIMALS
Stop eating animal bodies, and stop consuming their secretions. Based on what is said above, just stop using animals in general for what was presented and taught to you as “normal, natural, and necessary”. It all is not. Animals’ lives do not belong to us. They are not ours to use in any way. They don’t owe us anything. They are individuals who want to live, just like you and me.
♥ Read about “What Side Do You Stand On?”
♥ Read about “Do You Hate Animals Or Why Do You Pay For Their Murder?”
3. EDUCATE OTHERS
The knowledge you have is your greatest possession, and you can do so much with it if you use it for the right reasons. Choose to use it wisely, for it is a moral obligation you have to others. Tell everyone what you have found out. Be your most authentic self and stand by the transgressions you have committed and share with others the process you have gone through to act according to your values today. It is very inspiring for others.
♥ Read about “The Different Forms Of Animal Activism” (YouTube video included)
USE WHAT IS GIVEN TO YOU
As human beings, we have the wonderful ability to think in complex ways, to expand our capacity for empathy, to have a moral understanding and ethical principles that include all life, if we use our intellectual knowledge and emotional intelligence purposefully for the benefit of all.
♥ Read about “Personality, Character Development, Self-Mastery, And Veganism”
♥ Read about “About Empathy And Veganism And How To Develop It”
If we would just live up to our abilities and use them for good, and see them as obligations and responsibilities, life could be so beautiful for everyone, all living beings.
We often forget the privilege we have, as humans alone. Once you put yourself in the position of an animal in the animal industry, you suddenly see life through a completely different perspective. All of a sudden you are in hell on Earth.
If you would not want this for yourself, why do it to others?
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NOT YET VEGAN?
Please check this page and make the change!
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Please note:
* when the term "human" is used, then human animals are meant by it, and the same applies to the term "animal", who are non-human animals.** text and illustrations are intellectual property of Kerstin Brueller. Sharing the content for private purposes is appreciated. It is prohibited to copy and share it for commercial purposes. Please contact me for a collaboration, if you are unsure or have any further questions. Thanks for your understanding.*** I personally care much about symbolism and the meaning of certain shapes and metaphors. The images and interpretations are the representation of my own imagination.SOURCES
WHO (World Health Organization) - Zoonoses
National Geographics - What is extinction? The answer is complicated.
National Geographics - What are mass extinctions, and what causes them?
Healthline - What’s the Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Infections?
CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) - Zoonotic Diseases
