Kanary birds are one of the oldest domesticated birds, known for their vibrant colors and beautiful singing. However, recent research has revealed that these seemingly ordinary birds possess an incredibly forward-thinking immune system. In a study published in The Royal Society, scientists found that healthy canary birds exhibited an immune response when exposed to a sick bird, indicating that they have a visual perception of disease.
The study involved nine healthy canary birds that were kept near a sick bird infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a disease that causes conjunctivitis and extreme lethargy in birds. The healthy birds were divided into two groups, with one group able to see the sick bird and the other unable to see it. Blood samples were taken from the healthy birds over a month, and the results showed that the immune system of the birds that could see the sick bird became more active as the infected bird appeared sicker.
This response is due to the fact that wild canary birds often live in flocks, making it easy for diseases to spread. By strengthening their immune system before they even contract the disease, the birds develop a type of herd immunity that prepares their bodies for infection. This method of defense is much more effective than other animals, such as crayfish, which distance themselves from sick individuals, potentially leading to the breakdown of the group and making them more vulnerable to predators.
The study’s findings could have implications for humans, as a similar immune response could be triggered by visual cues. This could lead to media campaigns that educate the public about the dangers of diseases such as the flu, potentially providing some level of protection. The researchers plan to further analyze this defense mechanism in birds and other animals to better understand how it works and how it can be strengthened through genetic technologies.
