Wild Monkeys with Deadly Herpes Virus Spreading in Florida, Causing Panic

Asia Daily Comprehensive – Xinghui

Sick wild monkeys are spreading to northeastern Florida, with an expected doubling of the monkey population within two years.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWC) has issued a warning that this monkey is a non-native Hanuman monkey, which was first introduced to Silver Springs in the 1930s.

This species typically lives in South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. In the past year, the species has rapidly spread to the northern part of Silver Springs State Park, with an estimated increase in population from 300 in 2018 to 600 in 2022.

The Commission warned that if encountered, they should be avoided as they pose a disease threat, including potentially fatal B. If bitten or scratched by a wild monkey, medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible, and attention should be paid to the Centers for Disease Control's control guidelines for treating B.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control in 2018 showed that about 30% of the monkeys carried B.

Feeding wild monkeys in Florida is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a 60-day jail sentence. According to the Cruelty Statute, these monkeys are not on the list of protected species in Florida.

Local Floridians have different opinions about the monkeys.

'No, we like them, they're great, I think they're just visitors,' said Florida resident Serena.

'When I was fishing, I found a monkey in one of the trees near the river,' said resident Micaela. 'I first heard a scream by the river, and then several oak trees started shaking. Florida is really crazy. I'm glad I was on the boat and didn't get too close when I learned they had herpes.'