A new study in the United States has found that bird flu is infecting the brains of wild mammals, including foxes and raccoons. The study found that out of the 57 live mammals that were found to be infected, 53 had neurological symptoms such as seizures, balance problems, tremors, and a lack of fear of people. This has led researchers to believe that the bird flu virus may be making the animals behave in unusual ways.
While there is no significant evidence to suggest that the bird flu virus poses a significant risk to people, researchers have called for increased surveillance for avian influenza to prevent future outbreaks. The study also raises questions about how the virus may be affecting wildlife in other parts of the world.
The research was carried out in the US and involved catching live mammals that had been infected with the bird flu virus in order to study how they were affected. The researchers found that the virus was able to infect the animals’ brains, causing a variety of neurological symptoms. The study highlights the potential risk that the virus may pose to wildlife and how it may affect their behavior.
The study concludes that it is important for public health officials to remain vigilant when it comes to the bird flu virus and to closely monitor its spread. It also calls for further research on the long-term impact of the virus on wildlife populations and how it may affect their behavior. The study raises important questions about how global pandemics can affect not only human health, but also the health of wildlife populations and the ecosystems in which they live. As such, it provides a timely reminder of the need for international cooperation and collaboration to find ways to prevent and manage the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
Source link