Pigs

Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) are remarkably close to humans genetically—about 98% of pig DNA is similar to human DNA. This makes pigs one of our closest relatives among commonly farmed animals, after primates. Such genetic similarity means that many biological processes, organ functions, and even diseases can be very similar between the two species.

Pigs would be a good target for testing out human designed viruses

They breed quickly. Easy to set up 'research' facilities in distant private rural areas. And pigs will eat anything. So if there are pesky nosey people then there won't be much left behind.

For a group that is bent on creating a pandemic, the ends would justify the means.

Chilling isn't it? And no Eliot Muir does not own a pig farm. I am not planning this. I am just explaining how this will be done. Because some group will want to do this.

It's not a matter of if. It's a matter of when.

How can this threat be countered?

A solution does exist but you won't like it.

Disease Risks

Because of this genetic affinity, pigs and humans are susceptible to many of the same pathogens, particularly zoonotic diseases. For example:

• Trichinosis (caused by Trichinella parasites in undercooked pork): Each year, about 10,000 cases are reported worldwide.
• Influenza Viruses: Pigs can act as "mixing vessels" for influenza, allowing human and avian strains to combine. The 2009 H1N1 "swine flu" pandemic originated this way, resulting in an estimated 151,700 to 575,400 deaths globally.
• Hepatitis E: Eating undercooked pork is a major transmission route for hepatitis E, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant women.
• Tapeworms and cysticercosis: Taenia solium from pork can cause dangerous infections, sometimes even leading to seizures or death.

Cultural Context

The dangers of eating pork, especially before the widespread use of food safety practices, are likely a factor behind religious dietary prohibitions. Both Judaism and Islam restrict the consumption of pork, rules formalized thousands of years ago (Leviticus 11:7–8, Quran 2:173). At that time, preparing pork safely—cooking to at least 63\u00b0C (145\u00b0F) internal temperature, thorough hygiene, etc.—would have been difficult, increasing the risk from these diseases.

Recap with Key Numbers

• Pigs share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans.
• Roughly 10,000 cases of trichinosis annually worldwide.
• H1N1 pandemic from pigs: over 150,000 deaths.
• Pork a common source of hepatitis E in developing countries.
• Up to 2.5 million cases of cysticercosis occur annually, largely linked to pigs.

In summary: Pigs' genetic closeness to humans puts us at double risk—easy cross-species disease transmission and susceptibility to infections. Historically, these risks were unmanageable, explaining why certain cultures placed pork "on the edge" or altogether off-limits.