The continent of Antarctica has confirmed the presence of deadly bird flu for the first time, based on samples collected from dead birds near Argentina’s Esperanza base. Spain’s Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) confirmed the news, which poses a potential risk to the region’s huge penguin and seabird populations.
Argentinian scientists detected the virus in samples of dead skuas found near the Primavera Antarctic base, CSIC’s Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology confirmed this. The emergence of the disease highlights the risk to birds in the region from H5N1 avian influenza, which has affected bird populations around the world in recent months.
Analysis showed that the birds were infected with the H5 subtype of avian influenza, and at least one of the dead birds contained highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. The discovery marks the first time a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has reached Antarctica, despite its distance and natural barriers from other continents.
Antarctica’s penguin and seabird habitats may be particularly vulnerable because hundreds of thousands of penguins congregate on the continent and nearby islands, which could facilitate the spread of deadly viruses.
Data from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research also showed one confirmed case at the research base, underscoring the importance of action to protect wildlife in the region. (IPO Agency Santa Cruz) Based on information from NA
