:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(481x303:483x305):format(webp)/pepper-the-cat-081425-2-1e806930acb04da4b820393ee2879f54.jpg "Pet Cat in Florida Helped Scientists Discover New Virus Strain — and It’s Not the First Time the Feline Has Done It")
A pet cat named Pepper helped researchers at the University of Florida discover a new strain of orthoreovirus after bringing home a rodent carcass. Virologist John Lednicky tested the rodent and found it contained the virus, which is common in mammals and birds. This isn't the first time Pepper has aided in scientific discovery, as he previously brought home a rodent that carried a new type of jeilongvirus, previously unknown in North America. The discoveries highlight the importance of monitoring and understanding viruses that can potentially affect humans.
Read more at people.com
Pet stories like this are such a delight to read! They’re full of heart, personality, and those little moments that every pet lover can relate to that make you smile (or sad) and remind us how special our furry friends really are!
Image courtesy of people.com