Avian Flu Causes Color Change in Surviving Gannets’ Irises, Study Reveals
Bird flu or Avian flu has been raging in various parts of the world. Birds of all kinds have faced various consequences of the disease, and the Gannets are no exception. A new study shows that the virus has caused a significant change in the iris color of the surviving Gannets. Previously brown irises changed to a pale blue, a startling difference. The study is the first to demonstrate the effects of bird flu on irises and not just feathers or scales.
The Study
Scientists from the University of Birmingham and the French National Centre for Scientific Research set out to examine the effects of bird flu on Gannets. The study sought to answer if the virus had any effect on the birds’ eyesight. The researchers took blood and feather samples from infected birds and compared them to healthy birds. The study also involved examining the irises of both healthy and infected Gannets.
The Findings
The study revealed that avian flu caused a significant change in the irises of surviving Gannets. The previously brown irises of the birds changed to a pale blue color. The research team found that the change is due to a decreased melanin production, the pigment that gives eyes their color. They also discovered that the virus targets the birds’ eyes, causing inflammation and affecting the production of melanin.
Implication of the Findings
The study has significant implications for the study of bird flu. Previous studies only focused on the impact of bird flu on feathers and other physical appearances of birds, but the study shows that the virus can affect birds’ eyesight. The research team urges further studies of the virus and its impact on birds’ sight.
Conclusion
Bird flu is a serious disease that affects birds of all kinds. The new study shows that the virus has caused a significant change in the irises of surviving Gannets. The research team found that the virus targets the birds’ eyes, causing inflammation and affecting the production of melanin. Further studies are necessary to examine the virus’s impact on birds’ sight.
#AvianFlu #Gannets #BirdFluStudy #MelaninProduction #BirdsEyesight
Summary: A new study shows that avian flu causes a change in the iris color of surviving Gannets. The virus targets the birds’ eyes and affects the production of melanin. The study has significant new implications for the study of bird flu on birds’ physical appearance and eyesight. Further study of the virus is necessary. #HEALTH