Antarctica’s pristine wilderness is facing a new threat as scientists confirm the spread of the lethal H5N1 avian flu virus among local penguin and cormorant populations. This marks the first time the virus has been detected on the continent’s mainland, raising serious concerns about the impact on its unique and vulnerable wildlife.
Last month, the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) announced the discovery of the highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 in skua seabirds. Since then, a research expedition led by INACH and involving experts like researcher Fabiola Leon from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile has identified positive cases in nine Adelie penguins and one Antarctic cormorant.
“We are talking about a very worrying risk,” said Leon, who participated in the expedition during late 2023 and early 2024 to monitor the spread of bird flu in Antarctica. “There are species in danger of extinction, such as emperor penguins and other birds.”
The spread of H5N1 in Antarctica is particularly alarming due to the colony-based nature of penguin populations and the migratory patterns of seabirds, which could accelerate transmission. “This may promote, increase the rate of transmission of the disease among various bird colonies,” Leon warned.
Globally, the H5N1 avian flu virus has decimated bird populations and severely affected marine mammals, especially in South America. The arrival of the virus in Antarctica poses a significant threat to the continent’s ecosystems, which have remained largely untouched by such epidemics.
The detection of H5N1 in Antarctic penguins and cormorants is a landmark moment, highlighting the virus’s ability to reach even the most remote corners of the planet. Conservationists and scientists are now calling for urgent measures to monitor and control the spread of the disease to protect the fragile Antarctic environment.
The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the importance of international collaboration in wildlife disease surveillance. As researchers continue to study the outbreak, there is hope that swift action can mitigate the impact on Antarctica’s iconic wildlife.
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Antarctic scientists warn of bird flu spread amid penguin cases
cgtn.com
