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A rapidly reproducing monkey species with a rare and deadly form of herpes could put humans at risk as the population grows.
At least 300 rhesus macaques live in the Silver Spring State Park in central Florida. The monkeys, originating from South and Southeast Asia, have become the main attraction of the park.
But experts say the species is breeding fast and its population could double within five years.
The increase in the number of monkeys could put people at risk, according to a study recently published in the journal Wildlife Management.
About 30% of species carry the herpes virus B, a rare and deadly virus. Although it is rare for it to pass monkeys to humans, if at all, humans can be endangered, the report says.
Herpes B can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, as well as brain damage or death.
The Orlando Sentinel has indicated that saliva and other bodily fluids carry the virus, which can contribute to its spread.
According to the study, about 1,000 monkeys were trapped and removed between 1984 and 2012 to reduce the population. But the practice ended "due to an extensive public controversy".
Since then, no population management plan has been implemented.
Animals can be problematic, experts said.
"They're not as scared of humans as other animals, and they can be very naughty," Erin Riley, an anthropologist who studies animal-human interactions at San Diego State University, told National Geographic.
In recent years, monkeys have caused problems both inside and outside the park. Male monkeys have also been found more than 160 km from the park in Sarasota and Tallahassee.
Riley discovered that in addition to their usual herbivorous diet, monkeys were also fed by humans.
The researchers have documented 50 human cases of herpes B, but none would be of macaque origin.
In one case, a research assistant died after body fluids from a monkey had been in contact with one of her eyes.
At least some locals accept the monkeys.
"These monkeys have been here for 80 years and they have not chosen to come here. So I do not think it's fair to get rid of it because we do not like it anymore, "Debbie Walters, who works as a guide with a tour boat company, told National Geographic. "Many other animals cause disease, and we do not kill them."
In a statement earlier this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission called for a population management plan to be put in place.
"Without management action, the presence and continued expansion of non-native rhesus macaques in Florida can pose serious risks to human health and safety, including injury and disease transmission," said Thomas Eason. , deputy executive director of the commission, in a statement. , reported Orlando Sentinel.
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