Antarctic scientists are raising alarms about the spread of the lethal H5N1 avian flu virus, which was first confirmed on the continent's mainland last month. Since then, the virus has been detected in local penguin and cormorant populations, posing a serious threat to the region's bird species.
The H5N1 strain has already devastated bird populations worldwide, including wild birds and marine mammals in South America. Its arrival in Antarctica has heightened concerns about the impact on the continent's extensive penguin colonies.
“We are talking about a very worrying risk,” said researcher Fabiola Leon from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Leon was part of an expedition in late 2023 and early 2024 aimed at monitoring bird flu in Antarctica. “There are species in danger of extinction, such as emperor penguins and other birds,” she added.
The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), which organized the expedition, announced this week the detection of new positive bird flu cases in the region. This finding is considered a landmark discovery as it includes cases in penguins.
The confirmed cases include nine Adelie penguins and one Antarctic cormorant. The virus was first found in skua seabirds on the Antarctic mainland last month. Leon warned that the crowded nature of penguin colonies and migratory movements could exacerbate the spread of the virus. “This detection of highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 is the first time reported for Antarctic penguins and cormorants,” she said. “This may promote, increase the rate of transmission of the disease among various bird colonies.”
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Antarctic scientists warn of bird flu spread amid penguin cases
cgtn.com
