PETA Pushes to End Animal Farming Subsidies Over Pandemic Risks

PETA has urged policymakers to end subsidies for industrial animal farming. The organisation wants a shift towards organic, plant-based agriculture to reduce pandemic risks. It highlights the link between animal exploitation and major disease outbreaks like COVID-19, H5N1, and Ebola. The World Health Organization has warned that increasing animal product consumption raises pandemic threats. Research shows that 75% of emerging infectious diseases start in animals before spreading to humans.

In Germany, the number of vegans has doubled since the pandemic began, now at 2% of the population. Vegetarians have also doubled, reaching 10%. This brings the total number of Germans on vegan or vegetarian diets to around ten million.

PETA believes the rise in plant-based diets comes from growing awareness of the connection between animal farming and disease risks. The group proposes higher taxes on meat, dairy, and eggs to discourage consumption and help farmers switch to plant-based production. In 2015, Germany’s Scientific Advisory Board on Agricultural Policy had already warned of health dangers from animal-based foods. PETA’s call follows a clear trend in Germany towards plant-based diets. The organisation’s proposals aim to reduce health risks and prevent future pandemics. The shift could reshape agricultural policies and consumer habits.