Pigs, Biomes, and the Pork Peril: A One Health and One Welfare Meta-Narrative

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Food Systems Analysis
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Global pork production is extensive, with 1.5 billion pigs slaughtered annually.
• Industrial pig farming presents multifaceted risks, including zoonotic pathogen emergence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), environmental degradation, and chronic disease.
• The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as carcinogenic, highlighting the need to reassess pork consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on the risks associated with industrial pig production.
• To examine the public health and environmental implications of current pork production systems.
• To propose alternative food systems for resilient and sustainable food supplies.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis integrating microbiology, epidemiology, environmental science, and public health.
• Analysis of risks stemming from high-density pig farming, including resource use, antibiotic dependence, and waste.
• Evaluation of agroecological farming models as alternatives.

Main Results:

• High-density pig farming amplifies risks of microbial spillover, ecological damage, and public health vulnerability.
• Intensive pork production is linked to antibiotic dependence and significant waste externalities.
• The current system contributes to environmental degradation and chronic disease burdens.

Conclusions:

• Transitioning from industrial pig production to diversified, agroecological systems is crucial.
• Alternative systems, including aquaculture, sustainable dairying, poultry, and plant-based cultivation, offer pragmatic pathways.
• Adopting these alternatives aligns with global sustainable food policies and integrated One Health/One Welfare frameworks.