Blog note. Jesus indicated
that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the
time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year
period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have
occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be
identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these
events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency,
size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor
the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the
times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation
period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and
famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be
from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and
in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea
and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after
those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be
shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall
come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for
as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such
prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded
history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a
large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes,
hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in
unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor.
U.S. to begin testing sick, dead pigs for fatal hog virus ravaging China
By Tom Polansek. Reuters•May 16, 2019
CHICAGO (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture within weeks will begin testing sick and dead pigs for a hog virus that has killed herds across Asia in an effort to minimize devastation if the disease enters the United States, the agency said on Thursday.
Increased testing aims to help U.S. officials detect cases of African swine fever quickly so they can contain the disease.
African swine fever kills almost all pigs infected, though it is not harmful to people. There is no vaccine or cure.
The disease has spread rapidly across China, the world’s top pork producer, and in neighboring Vietnam the government said it will mobilize its military and police forces to combat an outbreak.
Cases in the United States would halt shipments in the $6.5 billion export market for American pork at a time when the industry is already facing retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and Mexico.
“An enhanced surveillance program will serve as an early warning system, helping us find any potential disease much more quickly,” said Greg Ibach, the USDA’s undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs.
The USDA will start testing pigs for African swine fever when it conduct routine tests for another hog disease, classical swine fever. Sick or dead pigs at slaughterhouses and those that are sent to veterinary diagnostic labs will included in the expanded testing, according to the agency.
Testing for African swine fever is important because its symptoms can resemble those for diseases already in the United States, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, said Tom Burkgren, executive director for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
“That’s a significant step for them to take that will certainly help discover that first case of ASF, if it happens, early on,” Burkgren said.
The USDA said it also will work with state and federal officials to identify incidents involving sick or dead feral swine to determine if they should be tested for African swine fever.
The U.S. government previously increased screenings for illegal pork products at airports and cracked down on smuggling in an effort to keep out African swine fever.
Last week, the chief executive of Tyson Foods Inc said it was “very plausible” the disease could enter the United States because of its rapid spread across Asia.