CSIC confirms presence of bird flu in Antarctica

Scientists from the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology of the High Council for Scientific Research (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation)confirmed The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, first time, in Antarctica.

On February 24, Argentine scientists discovered the virus in samples of skua carcasses found near the Antarctic base “Primavera” and confirmed the presence of the virus.

analyzewhich contains influenza virus and H5 subtype-specific PCR, It has been conclusively proven The birds were infected with H5 subtype avian influenza and at least one Dead birds contain viruses Highly pathogenic.

Avoid human infection

They note that the discovery will enable national polar plans Be prepared to avoid human-to-human transmission of infectionAnd, most importantly, Prevent personal infection

stated the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

Again, this shows for the first time Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus reaches Antarctica despite distance and natural barriers This separates it from other continents. The discovery could also explain bird deaths 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, but until dateAlthough mass die-offs of some birds have been reported in the Antarctic region, No country has confirmed the presence of the virus in Antarctica.