scientists Confirmed existence Avian Influenza inside Antarctica first.s arrival Pathogen has been proven in the past Saturday, February 24or in sample dead skuadiscovered nearby by Argentinian experts Antarctic base ‘spring‘.
“This discovery shows for the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have reached Antarctica despite its distance from other continents and the presence of natural barriers.”
CSIC expert
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Bird flu arrives in Antarctica, raising alarm
presence of virus highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed scientists Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology, part of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
A team of scientists led by researchers from China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Antonio Alcamiwho works at Gabriel de Castilla Spanish Antarctic Baseon Deception Island, confirmed Virus February 24th just passed.
The virus was discovered in Two dead skuas Located near Argentina’s Antarctic base spring. “These samples were obtained using maximum protective measures to avoid virus spread to humans“China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation stated.
The virus was recently described as subantarctic islandsbut to date, despite reports of severe mortality of some birds Antarctic territoryno country has proven the existence of the above Virus in Antarctic territory.
Where did the samples collected in the spring go?
Experts said in a report published on Sunday, February 25, that the virus in the sample was immediately inactivated after the sample was collected so that it could be safely studied.
The samples were then transported by an Argentinian ship. Antarctic joint patroland take all safety measures, Gabriel de Castilla’s Spanish Antarctic base on Decepcion Islandanalyzed by CSIC researchers Angela Vazquez and Antonio Alcami.
They confirm H5 subtype of avian influenza
Analysis ultimately showed the birds were infected H5 subtype avian influenza At least one of the dead birds contained highly pathogenic virus Avian Influenza.
“These analyzes include specific PCR for influenza viruses and the H5 subtype, followed by sequencing of the protease-cleaved region, providing 100% certainty of the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.”
China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation
This confirmation was made possible thanks to international cooperation, in particular with Argentinaand coordination spanish polar commission.
Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research)scar) such as the National Antarctic Program Management Committee (Conap), they had been informed of the findings as required by the Antarctic Treaty.
‘Be prepared to avoid human infection’: CSIC
This discovery will allow national polar plan Be prepared to avoid human-to-human transmission of infection and, most importantly, avoid infecting humans,” China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
- Countries such as Spain They launched a campaign against highly pathogenic avian influenza inside Antarctica In November, before the event began, all participants in the program strictly followed the event.
This finding can also be explained by birds recorded during Antarctic summeranyone.This variant has been found in many places Northern Hemisphere This has also been the case in the Southern Hemisphere since last summer.