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.

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

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...

Tourist Helicopter Crashes into Hudson River in NYC, Killing All 6 Onboard

A tourist helicopter carrying a Spanish family crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan, New York City, on Thursday afternoon, killing all six people on board, including three children. More Recent Pictures The chartered New York Helicopters chopper was transporting Agustin Escobar, an executive with European automation company Siemens, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The 36-year-old pilot was also killed in the crash, according to law enforcement sources. The helicopter took off from the Wall Street Heliport and crashed at 3:17 p.m. near River Drive in Hoboken, New Jersey—just over 15 minutes into its flight. Officials said the aircraft had reached the George Washington Bridge before turning back and going down. The victims were from Barcelona, Spain, according to Spanish officials. “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a press briefing. Read More

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