Subscribe now

Life

Bird flu may be making foxes and other animals behave in unusual ways

Analysis of wild mammals infected with H5N1 bird flu in the US found that many had brain infections and neurological symptoms, including lack of fear of people

By Michael Le Page

21 March 2023

 

Red foxes in the US have been found to have bird flu infections

Konrad Wothe/Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy

Bird flu is infecting the brains of wild mammals such as foxes and raccoons and may be making them behave in unusual ways, according to a study in the US. Out of 57 live mammals found to be infected, 53 had neurological symptoms, such as seizures, problems with balance, tremors and a lack of fear of people.

The risk to people appears to be low. “There isn’t yet any evidence that red foxes or other wild mammals …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

1

Chaotically shifting planets could be a sign of advanced aliens

2

Which countries will do well at Eurovision 2023 – according to science

3

Why the origins of life remain a mystery – and how we will crack it

4

Emergence: The mysterious concept that holds the key to consciousness

5

Mysterious sounds in stratosphere can't be traced to any known source

6

We now know how parasitic worms help ward off obesity and diabetes

7

The mental tricks you can use in your lifelong pursuit of happiness

8

Having naturally high vitamin D levels may protect against psoriasis

9

Your body wash may make you more attractive to mosquitoes

10

Lab-grown meat could be 25 times worse for the climate than beef