- Researchers found a virus in black vultures across states.
- Many dead birds were tested by scientists.
- The virus is a dangerous form of bird flu.
- Vultures eat dead animals and this helps spread it.
- The virus can spread all year and not only in winter.
- This gives the virus more chances to change.
- Some infected birds survive and show antibodies.
- Rare birds can be badly affected by a few deaths.
- Scientists warn the total effect may be much larger.
Difficult words
- virus — a tiny germ that makes animals sick
- vulture — a large bird that eats dead animalsVultures
- spread — to move to more places or animals
- antibody — a blood protein that shows past infectionantibodies
- infect — to give a disease to a person or animalinfected
- rare — not many of the same kind exist
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a vulture?
- Have you seen many dead birds?
- Would you tell a scientist if you found many dead birds?
Related articles
Affordable twice-yearly HIV injection lenacapavir to reach 120 countries
Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, will be licensed for 120 low- and middle-income countries at US$40 a year. Rollout is expected from 2027 with funding support, but some countries and price transparency remain concerns.
People with disabilities in Kenya and Nigeria faced hardship during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities in poor urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria had worse access to health care, lost income and faced higher costs. Researchers and advocates call for closer, accessible services and fair relief.
Lower chemotherapy dose helps people 80+ with lymphoma
A study found that people aged 80 and older with a common lymphoma often do better with a lower chemotherapy dose. Researchers used data from community cancer clinics and say the smaller dose kept effectiveness while reducing side effects.