Scientists have determined that the origin of all flu strains can be traced back to migrating aquatic birds, specifically ducks and geese, which have existed for over a hundred million years. This discovery emphasizes the longstanding connection between these birds and the flu virus, highlighting how closely intertwined the viruses and our environment truly are.

In his book "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer reflects on this relationship, suggesting that our understanding of flu not only involves human health but also our broader ecological interactions. The implications are profound, revealing how our eating habits and our treatment of these birds are linked to the emergence of such diseases.