this Avian InfluenzaA highly contagious disease affecting birds is about to reach Antarctica.This coming time constitutes This poses a serious threat to the continent’s rich fauna, where more than 100 million birds undergo their breeding cycles.
this Experts warn that the spread of the virus could be “devastating” to Antarctic fauna, Specifically for Species that gather in large flocks, such as emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals. With animals concentrated in small spaces, these groups facilitate the rapid spread of the virus.
Jane Rumble, head of the British Foreign Office’s polar unit, expressed concern about the situation. He stressed that migratory birds visiting Antarctica may carry the virus, thereby increasing the risk of infection in this fragile region.
To mitigate this riskImplemented Antarctica adopts strict biosecurity measures, aimed at researchers and tourists.These include Disinfect footwear and remove germs from tourists’ clothes and bags.even Possibility of limiting tourists disembarking from cruise ships under considerationkeep them on board or restrict their movements to small inflatable boats.
The virus is expected to reach Antarctica in the coming weeks as birds migrate from South America to their breeding grounds. The scientific community and authorities remain vigilant and aware of the importance of protecting this fragile polar ecosystem from potentially devastating threats.