"Penguin Survival at Risk"... First Avian Influenza Detected in Antarctica

Migratory Bird from South America Suspected of Transmitting Virus
"Spread Could Cause Catastrophic Breeding Failure"

For the first time, a deadly highly pathogenic (H5N1) avian influenza virus has been detected in Antarctica, raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the habitats of penguins, seals, and other wildlife.

The British daily newspaper The Guardian reported on the 24th (local time) that avian influenza was found in populations of skuas and brown skuas on Bird Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic.

According to the report, scientists are worried that avian influenza could cause mortality in vulnerable populations such as penguins and seals, potentially preventing their reproduction.

The virus is believed to have been transmitted by migratory birds coming from South America. Currently, as avian influenza spreads in the South American region, approximately 500,000 seabirds and 20,000 sea lions have died in Chile and Peru alone.

[Image source=Pixabay]

This is the first time avian influenza has been detected in Antarctica. Ashley Bennison, who is in charge of Bird Island at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said, "We will continue to monitor the species here, but at this point, we cannot be certain what impact (avian influenza) will have."

According to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), a private international academic organization, if the avian influenza virus spreads in Antarctica, penguins would be the fourth most at-risk population after seals, sea lions, and seabirds. Dr. Megan Duer of SCAR pointed out, "Avian influenza could have a fatal impact on many wild animals in the Antarctic region, posing a threat to their survival."

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