To the Editor:

Going vegan is a good way to prevent bird flu from spreading even further, especially in animal factories. [“DEC says: Stay alert for bird flu,” The Altamont Enterprise, Jan. 15, 2026].

The virus spreads like wildfire on factory farms. It can mutate and sicken other animals, including humans.

There’s no reason for anyone to eat meat, eggs, or dairy. Many companies, including Gardein, Morningstar Farms, Beyond Meat, and Just, make great-tasting vegan meats. Vegan milk, such as oat, almond, and soy milk, is widely available, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly.

And instead of eggs, you can use bananas, applesauce, tofu, ground flaxseeds, or commercial egg replacers in baked goods. Just Eggs are tasty vegan eggs that can be served with vegan sausage or tempeh bacon for breakfast.

As vegan living becomes more mainstream, fewer animals will be bred for food, lessening the threat of another bird flu outbreak and a human pandemic. For more information and a free vegan starter kit, see PETA.org.

Heather Moore

Vegan Living Specialist

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Virginia