It was discovered in 2007 that the theory of Pigs and Ponds as mixing bowls for new strains of influenza was correct. Granted, the virus discovery in pigs in Missouri is an H2N2, not the H1N1 type we see blossoming today. The principle of Mixing Bowls is the point, however. Here is the December 2007 article from CIDRAP:
New swine flu virus supports 'mixing vessel' theory
Robert Roos * News Editor
Dec 20, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – "A new influenza virus discovered in Missouri pigs has a combination of genes from avian and swine flu viruses, supporting the theory that pigs can serve as a mixing vessel for flu viruses and a potential source for a human pandemic strain, according to a report published yesterday.
Researchers found that the virus, an H2N3 subtype, caused illness in experimentally infected mice and was transmissible in swine and ferrets, suggesting it has adapted to mammals, according to the report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). In addition, genetic analysis showed the virus has a mutation linked with an increased ability to infect mammals.
The discovery marks the first identification of an H2 virus in swine, according to the authors of the report. The flu pandemic of 1957-58 was caused by an H2 virus, namely H2N2. That virus was replaced by an H3N2 strain in the pandemic of 1968-69, and H2 viruses have not circulated in humans since then. Hence, people younger than 40 have little immunity to H2 viruses, scientists say."
Well, well, well. And, the scientist, Wenjon Ma from Iowa State University, had specific recommendations about what we should do. Let's see..
"Our results provide further evidence for the potential of swine to promote reassortment between different influenza viruses, and the genetic and biologic properties of the H2N3 viruses described suggest that it would be prudent to establish vigilant surveillance in pigs and in workers who have occupational exposure," states the PNAS report.
And, as if by magic, the scientists also isolated a "vector," or a method of transference between the birds and the pigs. At this point, this variety only lacked a human component. We seem to have picked that missing piece up lately in Mexico or the Southwestern US as human contact between pigs, the ducks and the workers came into close contact for extended periods.
"Phylogenetic analysis showed that the virus's hemagglutinin (HA) gene most closely matched the genes of H2 viruses isolated from North American mallard ducks, while the neuraminidase (NA) gene was closely related to that of an H4N3 virus found in blue-winged teal. Five of the other six genes were derived from swine flu viruses currently circulating in the United States, the scientists determined.
The source of the virus is unknown, but the likeliest possibility is pond water, which was used to clean barns and water the animals on both farms, according to the report. That transmission pathway has been described before."
So, in other words, we had been warned, by real people dealing in real science, doing real work, having no credit extended to them, and being ignored by the Political Establishment. The scientists did their jobs. Now, who were the Congressmen from Iowa, or anywhere, who are supposed to be making these critically important recommendations public? Where were the leaders in 2006 and 2007?
I am angry about this as nothing I have seen since the Exxon Valdisease Incident. This is the sort of thing Democracy is designed to deal with. If we cannot even listen to our own scientists, who we pay to do critical and valuable work for the public good, then, what are we doing? How low has this Republic fallen? I think this is the answer.
Its time to become rational and to start learning again. If we don't, we fail. It is that simple.
The full article: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/...