All articles tagged with #herpesvirus
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is often misunderstood as being related to herpes simplex. It is recommended that individuals over 50 get vaccinated to prevent shingles. The virus reactivates in older adults, leading to painful symptoms, and is not related to sexual activity.
Flaco the Eurasian Eagle Owl, who captivated New Yorkers after escaping from the Central Park Zoo, tragically died after a necropsy revealed he had severe pigeon herpesvirus and four different rat poisons in his system. The 13-year-old owl, who had become a regular pigeon eater after his escape, was found to have been slowly poisoning himself with rat poison while feasting on rats in and around Central Park. The zoo attributed his death to a combination of infectious disease, toxin exposures, and traumatic injuries, ultimately placing the blame on the vandals who set him free.
Flaco, the Eurasian eagle owl who escaped from Central Park Zoo, died from severe herpesvirus and exposure to rat poison, according to a post-mortem necropsy report released by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The report revealed that the owl had contracted the virus from eating pigeons and had been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides commonly used for rat control in New York City. The report also found trace amounts of DDE, a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT, but it did not contribute to his death. Flaco's death was ultimately attributed to a combination of factors including infectious disease, toxin exposures, and traumatic injuries, highlighting the hazards faced by wild birds, especially in an urban setting.