The discovery will allow national polar programs to prepare to avoid human-caused spread of infection and, most importantly, avoid infecting humans. The discovery shows for the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have reached Antarctica despite its distance and natural barriers from other continents.
Soziable spoke with CSIC scientist Antonio Alcamí, who led the research and works at Spain’s Gabriel de Castilla Antarctic Base on Decepcion Island.
– Bird flu discovered in Antarctica. How did it get there?
Skuas are birds that migrate to Antarctica from South America, and some infected skuas from South America may have traveled to Antarctica. Another possibility is that they enter via marine mammals, with skuas (scavengers) becoming infected by eating the carcasses of marine mammals.
– What does this finding mean?
The relevance is that Antarctica is a continent isolated by oceans and air currents, making natural barriers difficult to cross. The virus entered later than expected, and this natural barrier may have come into play in the first place.
– What impact will this have on penguin populations in the area?
If transmitted to penguins, it could have a huge impact, as the virus is highly virulent and can kill many penguins. These deaths can reduce penguin populations, which can take years to recover.
– What is its mortality rate?
We don’t know what species of penguins live in Antarctica. Gentoo penguins, a species of penguin that lives on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands, have been found to be highly susceptible to the infection. It has been estimated to be around 30% or higher, but it is difficult to calculate in wild animals.
– Is it possible for people to become infected?
Transmission to humans is very inefficient, but cases of transmission of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses have been rarely described. The problem is, if this happens, the human mortality rate is 40-50%.
An important consideration is that the virus (originally from birds) has recently spread to marine mammals and may be expanding its host range. This is something we should be concerned about.
– Spain has laboratories in Antarctica. Are there many countries conducting research in this part of the planet?
All countries with bases in Antarctica are on alert and watching for dead animals. In Antarctica, few countries have laboratories like the one we have at Gabriel de Castilla Base, which allows us to make diagnoses without having to send samples to other continents for analysis. Globally, this virus has been studied for a long time, with samples analyzed for surveillance by many reference laboratories around the world.
In Spain, this work was performed by the MAPA National Reference Laboratory in Alguete. This reference laboratory helped us establish diagnostic protocols in Antarctica.
– What other research is being done in Antarctica?
Our group studies communities of viruses present in Antarctic lakes that originate from natural ecosystems and can survive extreme climates. We found a wide variety of viruses in these lakes and compared them with those present in the Arctic – Svalbard and alpine regions (Odessa and Monte Perdido National Park in the Pyrenees) Compare. We are also studying viruses in ice or permafrost.
– Do you think this might be dangerous?
The impact on Antarctic fauna could be dramatic, whether it’s penguins or marine mammals, leading to declines in the numbers of these animals.