Monkeys distrust sources of infection just like humans

A study revealed that monkeys exhibit cautious behavior towards food after exposure to a virus, similar to human hygiene practices during the pandemic. Conducted in a Texas primate sanctuary, the research focused on a simian retrovirus outbreak affecting Japanese macaques. The monkeys were tested on their food choices between clean surfaces and those contaminated with feces. Results showed that those exposed to the virus, regardless of infection, avoided contaminated surfaces, while unexposed monkeys did not. This suggests that behavioral changes in avoiding pathogens are not exclusive to humans, indicating a shared 'behavioral immune system' among species.