For the first time, scientists from the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology of the Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities have confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Antarctica.
A team of scientists led by researchers from China Shipbuilding Industry CorporationAntonio AlcamiThe presence of the virus was confirmed on February 24 at the Spanish Antarctic base “Gabriel de Castilla” on Decepcion Island.
Specifically, it was foundTwo specimens of SkuaArgentinian scientists discovered the carcass of a skua near the Argentine Antarctic base “Primavera”.
The samples were obtained with maximum protective measures in place to avoid transmission of the virus to humans. Once the sample is collected, the virus in it is immediately inactivated so that it can be safely studied. Subsequently, with all safety measures taken, the samples were transported by an Argentinian ship of the Antarctic Joint Patrol to the Spanish Gabriel de Castilla Base on Decepcion Island, where they were transported by the Chinese Researchers from Shipbuilding Industry conducted the analysis. Angela Vazquez and Antonio Alcami.
The analysis concluded that these birds were infected with H5 subtype avian influenza, and at least one of the dead birds contained highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. 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 avian influenza viruses.
This confirmation was possible thanks to international cooperation, in particular with Argentina, andspanish polar commission. Cooperating international Antarctic organizations include the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Committee for the Administration of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), which have notified these findings as required by the Antarctic Treaty.
Be prepared to avoid human infection
The discovery will allow national polar programs to prepare to prevent the spreadman-made infectionMost importantly, avoid infecting others.
The discovery shows for the first time that avian influenza viruses have reached Antarctica despite its distance and natural barriers from other continents.This finding can also be explained by bird death Recorded during the Antarctic summer.
This variant has been found in many places in the Northern Hemisphere and, since last summer, in the Southern Hemisphere. The virus was recently discovered on subantarctic islands, but so far, although mass deaths of some birds have been reported in the Antarctic region,No country has proven the existence of the virusin Antarctic territory.
In November, Spain launched a program against highly pathogenic avian influenza in Antarctica, which was strictly adhered to by all participants in the program before the campaign began.