this Avian Influenza So much progress that a few weeks ago in Antarctica. Yes, even the White Continent, which is almost uninhabited except by scientists and military personnel from around the world, reported its first cases of the virus among skuas and seagulls. Just like that, researchers who usually do research announced that their jobs may be canceled due to work reasons. Fear of spreading disease. In September 2023, H5N1 influenza was reported for the first time along the Atlantic coast, and the first sea lions died. The outbreak spread south of the country and reached Antarctica, so those responsible tended to take precautionary measures.
To prevent the spread of the disease among scientists, research areas related to the study of animal behavior were halted.
Researchers’ fears began months agowhen H5N1 was first discovered on the continent of Antarctica. The virus was discovered in dead birds near Argentina’s Primavera research station on the Antarctic Peninsula. Ansaldo said the confirmation of H5N1 in Antarctica triggered an early warning, requiring those working in logistics and research there to be extra cautious. The premise is simple: We must protect the Antarctic fauna, and we must protect the humans who work there.
In September 2023, it was determined that sea lions were infected with avian influenza virus On the coast of Argentina. The main culprits were migratory birds at a time when people were banned from entering certain areas of the Patagonian coast to limit the virus’s contact with humans. Meanwhile, Antarctic bases have established protocols to avoid contagion. In addition to all the care and surveillance, at the end of the year some dead birds began to appear at the Orcadas base, and in February the presence of the virus was confirmed thanks to a joint study by Argentinian and Spanish researchers.
Antonio Quesada del Corral, microbiologist, Spanish Antarctic Program explained that several projects were canceled last year in an effort to reduce the risk of infecting humans or becoming a vector for spreading diseases between different animal groups. In fact, the situation is so serious that some projects planned for this year may not be implemented.
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