Vultures have stomach acid so powerful it can dissolve bones and neutralize deadly diseases like anthrax.

Vultures possess one of the most aggressive digestive systems in the animal kingdom. Their gastric acid has a pH level between 0 and 1, which is significantly more acidic than human stomach acid, which typically ranges from 1.5 to 3.5. This corrosive environment is strong enough to dissolve metal and solid bone within hours.A 2014 study published in the journal Nature Communications analyzed the microbiomes of 50 vultures. Researchers found that their gut is specifically evolved to filter out lethal bacteria. While most animals would die from consuming rotting flesh, the vulture's stomach acid destroys the DNA of pathogens like Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Clostridium botulinum (botulism).Interestingly, vultures also have a incredibly resilient immune system. Their large intestines are dominated by two types of toxic bacteria, Clostridia and Fusobacteria, which would kill other species. Vultures have developed a symbiotic relationship with these bacteria to help break down tough proteins in decaying meat.By consuming carcasses that other scavengers cannot touch, vultures provide a vital ecological service. In regions where vulture populations have declined, such as India in the 1990s, the spread of rabies and anthrax increased significantly. Their role as nature's ultimate cleanup crew is essential for maintaining global public health.