More trouble in Florida

Source In 1994, Florida panther FP29 killed and ate a hog, then the hog killed him. The feral hog was carrying pseudorabies and showed no symptoms. The panther died when the virus reached his brain. Pseudorabies has nothing to do with rabies. It is a herpes virus. In its natural host, the feral pig, it circulates quietly. A pig can carry it for life without losing weight, without changing behavior, without showing any sign that it is carrying something that will kill nearly any mammal that eats it. The virus evolved alongside swine over millions of years. The pig’s immune system holds it in check. Every other mammal’s immune system does not. When a Florida panther kills a feral hog and eats the infected tissue, the virus enters the panther’s body through the gut and begins migrating toward the central nervous system. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes the progression as rapid. The panther may appear normal for a day or two. Then it stops eating. Its…