Birth of a Conspiracy 'Theory'?

 

3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) is a dietary supplement for cows, marketed as 'Bovaer'. It reduces the animal's flatulence, decreasing methane release. Methane is, of course, a very potent 'greenhouse gas', producing global heating/ climate change. 3-NOP has been safely used in thousands of animals but agricultural workers have been warned to not get it in their eyes. Major dairy consortia are now considering using the supplement to reduce the environmental impact of their milk, butter and cheese. A conspiracy 'theory' has been whipped up on the 'dangers' of consuming products from cows given Bovaer. Its even been claimed that the drug might damage human male fertility, Predictably, some of the strongest voices raised in this area, come from folk associated with climate change denial (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/11/conspiracy-theory-on-methane-cutting-cow-feed-bovaera-wake-up-call-say-scientists). Veterinary scientists have been told they must improve their public information dissemination. Actually, no amount of improved public information is going to stop conspiracy theorists. They take the information they 'want', out of context, if necessary! Why miss a new opportunity for misinformation?