From: serfsup@earthlink.net (serfsup)
Subject: Bio-Defense On The Cheap

Two years ago, my newsletter, "Serf's Up!:  Common Sense For The Common
Peasant", ran one piece of research I did on killer epidemics.  I examined
three such diseases that already exist in the U.S., huanta fever, bubonic
plague, and cholera.  As it turns out, all three can easily be defended
from their natural sources.  

Huanta fever has a 70% mortality rating and is very contagious.  However,
the common method of transmission occurs from human contact with the urine
and feces of deermice.  Several cases from the last big outbreak a few
years ago in America's Southwest happened when folks cleaned out their
barns, sheds, and garages.  The simple act of sweeping the deermice debris
with a broom placed it in direct contact with humans.  The best, and
cheapest defence is to always wear as much clothing as possible when doing
these chores.  Long sleeve shirts and pants, shoes or boots (no sandals),
and wearing goggles and even a mask will reduce the odds of infection
dramatically.

Cholera is another disease that can be avoided from natural sources with a
modest amount of precaution.  There are still cases in U.S. in the Gulf of
Mexico coastal region.  The Cholera seems to thrive in the beds of
estuaries.  Tidal and seasonal changes can cause shellfish to become
infected.  The most common method of contraction is through the handling or
consumption of raw and under-cooked shellfish.  Again, protection can be
achieved through proper dress, as well as thoroughly cooking your food.

Out West, there are significant 'colonies' of Bubonic Plague in the U.S.,
especially near San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.  The major means of
contraction is from infected fleas jumping on humans who come in close
contact with squirrels.  Such fleas can jump, on an average, about a foot
and a half.  Campers are in real risk when they lay on the ground.  

To defend your campsite or homestead, construct the following.  You need
four-inch PVC piping, in sections about three feet long.  Drill a hole
through the center clear through the pipe.  The hole must be wide enough to
accomodate a stake for securing the pipe on the ground..  Stake the pipe
down along the perimeter of your site.  Attach some bait for squirrels to
the stake inside the pipe.  At each openning, pour a generous heap of flea
powder.  That's it!