Roberto Guerra

Wed, July 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM PDT·2 min read

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/scientists-discovered-creepy-yet-fascinating-190000566.html

Scientists have discovered a peculiar side effect in some seabirds affected by the avian flu.

If they survive the devastating and often deadly virus, northern gannets can experience eye color changes, where irises go from pale blue to jet black, The Guardianreported. The discovery has the potential to help scientists deal with the virus.

For decades, avian flu has been responsible for the deaths of both wild and domestic birds,perThe Guardian.

The first description of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, can be tracedback to 1878in northern Italy. During that time, it was characterized as a contagious ailment affecting poultry, leading to significant mortality rates. This disease was commonly referred to as “fowl plague.”

Now, it affects wild water birds as well asdomestic birdslike poultry and other animals.