Scientists have confirmed Bird flu arrives in Antarctica for the first time, H5N1 virus detected in two dead carrion gulls at Primavera baseArgentinian Antarctic Peninsula scientific research station.
According to him Scientific Committee for Antarctic Researchthey have More suspected cases reported in Esperanza Bay’s Brown Shearwaters, Antarctic Shearwaters and Kelp Gullsalso on the Antarctic Peninsula.
The discovery marks an important milestone Because this is the first confirmed case of bird flu on the African continentindicating that the virus may be spread in the area through migratory birds.
H5N1 virus, The disease has killed millions of wild birds around the world since 2021 and has spread to every continent except Oceania. In the wider Antarctic region, it was discovered for the first time on a subantarctic island last year.
The virus was first discovered in birds such as gulls and albatrosses. It has spread to Antarctic mammals, with mass die-offs of elephant seals and fur seals. There have even been records of polar bears dying from the virus.
Experts have warned that the region’s iconic penguin species could also be affected by bird flu because Previous outbreaks in South Africa, Chile and Argentina have demonstrated this.
It is reported protector, Despite measures to limit the spread of the virus, including closing wildlife habitats to tourists, experts say there is little that can be done to stop its spread. The epidemic is expected to subside naturallyDespite emphasizing the importance of biosecurity to avoid human exposure to viruses, Rarely infects humans but requires close and prolonged contact.