How the Wellness Industry May Be Harming Animals, Spreading Disease, and Contributing to Future Pandemics

Raw Pet Food Trend Fuels Bird Flu Spread and Raises Pandemic Fears

The rising popularity of raw pet food is increasingly linked to the spread of H5N1 bird flu, particularly among cats. This growing risk is a byproduct of the booming $6.3 trillion wellness industry, which often thrives on scientific skepticism, the idolization of “natural” alternatives, and fear-driven marketing.

But the consequences go beyond human health misinformation — they’re now endangering animals, too. Pseudoscientific practices promoted by holistic pet health influencers, organic farming advocates, and alternative medicine proponents are creating conditions ripe for viral outbreaks. H5N1 has already killed pets and could pave the way for a future human pandemic.

The threat is further magnified by weakened oversight. With the effective dismantling of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., critical infrastructure for monitoring and responding to the outbreak is crumbling.

Misinformation isn’t just infiltrating human wellness—it’s deeply rooted in veterinary circles as well. And with even fewer safeguards in place than in human healthcare, the risks are mounting. The veterinary wellness market is booming, with the raw pet food segment alone projected to double from $7.39 billion in 2024 to $14.5 billion by 2030.

5 steps to mental wellbeing

5 steps to mental wellbeing Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. 1. Connect with other people Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can: help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth give you an opportunity to share positive experiences provide emotional support and allow you to support others There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships: Do if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family have lunch with a colleague visit a friend or family member who needs support or company volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group. Fin...

Texas measles outbreak surpasses 500 cases, with several reported at a Lubbock daycare

A daycare center in a Texas county involved in the ongoing measles outbreak has reported several infections, including among children too young to receive the full vaccination, according to public health officials. The outbreak, centered in West Texas, continues to grow, with 505 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. This week, the state expanded the affected area to include 10 counties. The virus, known for its high transmissibility, began circulating in late January and has since spread to neighboring states—New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas—as well as into Mexico. So far this year, three unvaccinated individuals have died due to complications from measles, including two elementary-aged children in Texas. The second child passed away last Thursday at a hospital in Lubbock. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral in Seminole, which is considered the outbreak’s epicenter. By Friday, seven cases had been confirmed at a daycare where an infected young child passed the virus t...

2025 Masters Day 1: Justin Rose Takes Early Lead, Scheffler in the Mix, McIlroy Stumbles Late

Last Updates 1. Justin Rose, -7 (65) T2. Scottie Scheffler, -4 (68) T2. Corey Conners, -4 (68) T2. Ludvig Åberg, -4 (68) T5. Tyrrell Hatton, -3 (69) T5. Bryson DeChambeau, -3 (69) T7. 4 players tied at -2 (70) Scottie Scheffler looked poised for a title defense. Rory McIlroy seemed on track to chase the elusive career Grand Slam. Seemed. Scheffler carded a solid 4-under 68 on Thursday at the Masters, while McIlroy matched that score through 14 holes—only to unravel down the stretch. He played the final four holes in 4-over, including double bogeys on the 15th and 17th. Instead, it was McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose who stole the spotlight. The Englishman fired a brilliant 7-under 65 to take the solo lead after Day 1 of the season’s first major. Rose sits three shots ahead of Scheffler, Corey Conners, and Ludvig Åberg. Here's a look back at the opening round from Augusta, Georgia, as covered in our live blog. More Updated

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