Penguins and other species in Antarctica infected

The dangerous H5N1 avian influenza virus has been discovered in penguin and cormorant populations during a scientific expedition into the Antarctic ocean, setting a worrying precedent for potential threats to vulnerable species at risk of disappearing.

The first reported cases of the disease on the frozen continent were found in skua seabirds that died near spring last February.

Most recently, the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), which is linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and responsible for scientific missions in the region, confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic influenza at the beginning of this week.

From late 2023 to early 2024, researchers closely monitored different Antarctic seabirds during the spring and summer seasons across the Southern Hemisphere, reporting that Adélie penguins There were 9 cases of infection in Antarctic cormorants and 1 case of infection in Antarctic cormorants. The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile told Reuters.

Leon noted that migratory birds disperse easily as the seasons change, and that, coupled with their tendency to congregate densely in breeding colonies, increases the risk of virus transmission.

“We are facing a pretty serious danger, especially because of the presence of threatened species such as emperor penguins and other very important birds,” Leon explained.

The tests were collected from thirteen breeding sites on the Antarctic Peninsula and its west coast.

The Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) previously announced that this deadly virus had been found in skuas in Antarctica, causing people to be vigilant.

The discovery was made thanks to a collaboration between Chile’s Millennium Institute for Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (Instituto Milenio BASE), French company PONANT and an international team of researchers.