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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 …

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