# Macaque behavioral changes following viral outbreak > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/macaque-behavioral-changes-following-viral-outbreak > Updated: 2026-10-24T03:54:03.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Research conducted by the University of California San Diego at a Texas primate sanctuary indicates that Japanese macaques develop heightened caution toward potentially contaminated food following exposure to a deadly disease. The study focused on a population that experienced an outbreak of simian retrovirus Type II (SRV) in 2020, a virus causing severe illness and death. In behavioral trials, macaques that had lived through the outbreak were significantly less likely to consume food placed near simulated contamination compared to unexposed control groups. Specifically, only 47 percent of the outbreak-exposed macaques ate from a surface marked by simulated feces, while 79 percent of the unexposed macaques did so. Researchers suggest these findings support the concept of a ‘behavioral immune system,’ where animals alter their behavior to avoid infection as an evolutionary strategy. The study also noted that early-life experiences, such as being raised as pets, influenced these avoidance behaviors. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Macaques show increased food caution following viral outbreak UC San Diego researchers found that macaques exposed to a deadly viral outbreak became significantly more cautious of potentially contaminated food, showing increased disgust sensitivity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macaques-show-increased-food-caution-following-viral-outbreak ### 2026-10-21: Japanese macaques show increased caution after viral outbreak Researchers found that Japanese macaques living through a deadly viral outbreak became significantly more cautious of potentially contaminated food, suggesting an evolutionary behavioral immune system. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-macaques-show-increased-caution-after-viral-outbreak --- Cite as: Macaque behavioral changes following viral outbreak. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/macaque-behavioral-changes-following-viral-outbreak