Blaming The Bats

d'alz writes "Bats have long been the subject of various conflicting theories. They have been linked with lethal viruses that cause Ebola hemorrhagic fever, SARS, Nipah or Hendra. But of late researchers have taken a complete shift in these theories. They now claim that bats are being blamed for human mistakes. It now seems that these outbreaks could be a direct result of the encroachments that took place over the years in the rainforests." From the article: "Emerging viruses like the one that causes SARS are symptoms of the drastic, large-scale changes humans are making in the life of the planet. At a time of intense concern about avian flu, it is hardly controversial to argue that human health is linked to animal health. But the field challenges traditional academic divisions, especially the cultural divide between doctors and veterinarians."

Comments

Nothing new

[Galvatron]

Most major human diseases (polio, smallpox, mumps, black plague, etc.) were originally carried by animals, especially domesticated animals or pests. Sure, as man comes into contact with previously isolated species, we will continue to bring new diseases to the forefront. Would it be better if we were still living in caves?