First case of bird flu confirmed in Antarctica

Unfortunately, researchers from the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology of the Spanish High Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) have confirmed the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in specimens of dead birds in Antarctica.

Analysis by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation scientists Angela Vazquez and Antonio Alcami confirmed the presence of the virus in two skua carcass samples collected by Argentine scientists near the Antarctic base of Primavera on Saturday.

According to CSIC, the discovery will allow national polar programs to prepare to avoid the spread of infections through human-made means and, most importantly, avoid infecting humans.

This confirmation was made possible thanks to international cooperation, in particular with Argentina, and coordination with the Spanish Polar Commission.

In addition, Cooperativa.cl revealed that the International Antarctic Organization’s Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Committee for the Administration of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) have also cooperated and have notified these findings in accordance with the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty.

The virus was recently discovered on subantarctic islands, but so far no country has proven its presence in the Antarctic region, despite reports of mass die-offs of some birds.