A tumor-causing virus found in eastern wild turkeys is more widespread, yet less deadly, than scientists expected, according to a new study.
The disease, called lymphoproliferative disease virus, was first diagnosed five years ago, reported the Associated Press. The nasty virus can turn a turkey's head into a mass of scabby tumors and clog its airway.
Before the study, wildlife managers and hunters were concerned that the virus was responsible for the recent drop in the turkey population.
"Once we discovered this virus and found it was common, there was a big scare," Justin Brown, lead researcher at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and now state wildlife veterinarian for Pennsylvania, told AP. "There was a fear that this virus was decimating turkeys and we've missed it all these years."
To determine the effects of the virus on the wild turkey population, the team of researchers examined the disease in wild turkeys shot by hunters in 17 states from Colorado to Maine.
"We found that infection is widespread and common, but the development of tumors is actually a rare event," Brown said.
It's still unclear what the exact percentage of infected turkeys get tumors and what the death rate is, but Brown told AP "We can say it's a sporadic cause of tumor formation and mortality."
The increased mortality rate of turkeys continues to be attributed to a decrease in habitat, an increase in predators, and bad weather in spring or summer that hurts breeding and survival of young, reported AP.
The study is expected to be published in coming weeks, said Brown.
