H5N1 Bird Flu Found in Peruvian Vampire Bats, Raising New Host Concerns

• H5N1 bird flu exposure has been detected in vampire bats along Peru's coastal regions.
• Coastal bats, which feed on marine animals, showed antibodies to H5N1, unlike inland bats.
• Laboratory tests confirmed H5N1 can infect bat lung and liver cells, suggesting potential for replication.
• There is currently no strong evidence of sustained bat-to-bat transmission of the virus.
• The finding raises concerns about new mammal hosts for dangerous viruses and highlights the need for expanded wildlife surveillance.

Why It Matters: H5N1 in bats signals new hosts, increasing pandemic risk.