Spanish High Council for Scientific Research Csic said the presence of deadly bird flu in Antarctica has been confirmed for the first time. The area’s huge penguin colonies are at potential risk.
On February 24, the presence of the virus was confirmed in samples of dead skua seabirds, Argentinian scientists discovered it near the Antarctic base of Primavera This was confirmed on Sunday by CSIC’s Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology.
Confirmed cases appear on the Antarctic Peninsula, After cases emerged among gentoo penguins on a nearby island, Highlights the risks H5N1 bird flu has decimated bird populations around the world in recent months.
“The analysis concluded that the birds were infected with H5 subtype avian influenza, and at least one of the dead birds contained highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses,” China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation said in a statement.
He added: “This discovery shows for the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have reached Antarctica despite its distance and natural barriers from other continents.”
Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather in close colonies on the Antarctic continent and nearby islands, which could allow deadly viruses to spread easily.
Data from the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research also showed a confirmed case at the research base.