Yoga Class Suspected in Lethal HSV-1 Outbreak Among Lemurs

UF veterinarians confirmed the first HSV-1 infections in lemurs, with four cases across ring-tailed, black-and-white ruffed, and a Varecia hybrid lemur. All suffered encephalitis and ulcers and died despite treatment. One case may have been linked to a public lemur yoga class, highlighting the risk of human-to-wildlife transmission and the need for stronger biosecurity and minimized direct contact when caring for lemurs. The findings were published in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.