Our Letter To Legislators
Jenuary 22, 2002Dear Senator,
It has come to my attention that disease causing agents are endemic in U.S. livestock. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that the pathogens involved are affecting human health.
I am speaking of Caliciviruses, a family of viruses that originate in oceanic life forms. After making the jump to terrestrial animals, these viruses have shown their versatility by now infecting over twenty species. Calicivirus cause long term clinical disease in sub-human primates. These viruses are also capable of causing a wide range of disease symptoms, from simple diarrhea to hemorrhagic disease and spontaneous abortions.
Among the members of Calicivirdae is the deadliest virus on the planet. It has traveled across three continents in four years, killing ninety percent of its’ host species with twenty four to forty eight hours of contact. RHD, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, is unlike any other pathogen. No disease agent, not Ebola, Anthrax or Smallpox, is capable of the mass fatalities at such a rapid rate, over such a wide geographical area.
The widespread presence of Caliciviruses in cattle, pigs, and other animals is not the only issue that concerns me. The negligence of federal agencies regarding their responsibilities to rid our food supply of these dangerous viruses is well documented. They are ignoring the work they are suppose to be engaged in; protecting the American public.
Evidence that Caliciviruses pose a threat to human health has been presented to three government agencies. The CDC, Center for Disease Control, has taken some minimal steps to protect human health. The FDA, Food and Drug Administration, received credible information in a public forum that the viruses are causing, at the very least, liver disease in humans. Though the evidence presented to them does not warrant pulling meat out of supermarkets, or potentially infected blood from blood banks, it was strong enough to show the need for research. None has transpired or been planned.
These agencies can almost be forgiven when one considers the completely inadequate, and at times criminal, response of the USDA. It is in part through the research of this agency that we know of the widespread presence of Caliciviruses in our food source. The majority of the agencies within the USDA who have responsibilities to address these issues have shown a complete unwillingness to research the threat . When asked about the issue, they refuse to answer.
As if the above is not bad enough, three outbreaks of the worlds deadliest viral disease have occurred in the U.S. in less than two years. The response to these outbreaks on the part of APHIS, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, has been inadequate. We believe that the final outbreak in Flushing New York in December of 2001 led to evidence that RHD is now sitting on supermarket shelves. The USDA’s response to this evidence was to remain silent, until we forced them to speak to this issue.
We believe that some departments and officials within the USDA are involved in rectifying some of the problems. And these should be commended and encouraged to continue their efforts. However one good apple in a bushel of rotten ones does not leave us feeling secure.
We realize that there are many issues facing our country today that require your attention. We also believe that as citizens of the United States, we have a responsibility to assure that those who are hired to protect the people do their job. They are not doing so.
We would hope that the above leads you to ask for scientific citations and additional evidence. We will be happy to supply such.
Through me the dumb shall speak, Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear
The wrongs of the wordless weak.
And I am my brother's keeper;
And I will fight his fight;
And speak the word for the beast and bird
Till the world sets things right."
--Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1850-1919
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