Pandemic Fears
Scientists are closely watching developments Indonesia, where bird flu has been found in pigs. As this Voice of America reportnotes, this is dangerous because, "Pigs have genetic similarities to humans, and can carry both human and animal viruses... if a pig became infected with both types of virus at the same time, it could act as a "mixing vessel," creating a new strain that could become a serious threat to humans." The potential exists for a new pandemic similar to the Spanish flu of 1918, which killed between 20 to 40 million people worldwide. Submitted for your files on pestilence (Luke 21:11).