Zebra virus kills polar bear in German zoo

[GSG]

Zoos should be on the alert for viruses that can jump from one animal to another, threatening endangered species, say researchers.

 

The cause of an infection that killed a polar bear at a German zoo has been traced back to the zebra house, scientists report in Current Biology.

 

Viruses spreading to unexpected hosts may threaten the conservation mission of zoos, they warn.

 

Most pathogens are adapted to one host but some can leap the species barrier.

 

Flu, for example, is thought to have moved between pigs, birds and humans during its evolution.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19287697