Hoax: Video Claims Rats Infected with Hantavirus Deliberately Released from Trucks on Roads

A social media post on Facebook claimed a truck deliberately spread rats infected with hantavirus on highways. The video showed large rats exiting the rear of a moving truck. The circulating narrative linked the incident to alleged intentional hantavirus spread. The post stated: “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! Dashcam catches dozens of RATS exploding out of a hole in a semi-trailer at highway speed like a horror movie. Deliberate release? Population control? Or something worse… hantavirus carriers being dropped into cities? WHO literally warned about this” However, is the video really showing rats infected with hantavirus deliberately spread by trucks on highways? Research found no official information or statements from government, health agencies, or credible media regarding intentional hantavirus-carrying rats spread by trucks. AI Detector Hive Moderation indicated the video is 82% likely AI-generated. According to ANTARA, hantavirus spreads through contact with rodent urine, faeces, or saliva, and bites or scratches from infected rodents. However, there is no evidence the video depicts intentional hantavirus spread. Thus, the claim that rats infected with hantavirus were deliberately spread by trucks on roads is false.