Swine Flu, CAFO's and the Salmonella peanut death recall: NAFTA, non-regulation and EPA self-regulation--More disasters on the wing?

The April 2009 outbreak of swine flu seems to have started in the town closest to the biggest agribusiness hog factory farm in Mexico. This U.S. owned Concentrated Animal Feeding Organization (CAFO) was set up immediately after NAFTA went into effect. For years, townspeople complained of the stench, contamination of the water, and swarms of flies that infested the town. Influenza has been endemic in US and other hog CAFOs for years. Did the huge concentration of animals and manure provide the perfect natural laboratory for a new pathogen? Will it happen again? CAFOs are also major sources of air and water pollution and may be accelerating microbial resistance from over-use of anti-biotics. CAFOs in the US are supposed to be regulated by the EPA but the EPA guidance document calls for 95% “voluntary” regulation. In another outbreak, 8 died and over 500 were sickened from Salmonella infected peanut products. The manufacturer had a history of state regulation violations but no government action had been taken. Companies are not required to disclose lab test results and despite positive tests for Salmonella, the manufacturer distributed its products that led to the outbreak. Can we count on self-regulation by agribusiness to protect the public health?