Scientists from the Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA), working with international experts, have confirmed the presence of pathogenic variants of the avian influenza virus in skuas that died in Antarctica. This confirmation is critical for the development of early warning programmes, prevention measures for the spread of infection and the care and protection of Antarctic biodiversity.
The discovery was prompted after scientists at the Orkney base found 13 skuas and a cormorant dead, with the investigation beginning around mid-December. Previous alerts about the spread of the virus from the northern to the southern hemisphere have raised concerns, with seabird deaths reported in Peru, Ecuador and Argentinian Patagonia.
In view of this situation, a precautionary protocol was developed, which included suspending the arrival of scientific personnel to the Orca das base and forming an international working group composed of experts from Spain, Chile, Uruguay and South Korea. Samples were collected and sent to the Spanish base on Deception Island, where the equipment needed for virus analysis was located.
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The results confirmed the presence of pathogenic variants of the avian influenza virus in the dead skuas, leading to the maintenance of extreme safety protocols and surveillance measures. Additionally, Esperanza Base has seen an increase in skua mortality, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and early warning to Antarctic communities and visitors.
The discovery highlights the importance of international cooperation and continued monitoring to protect Antarctic biodiversity and prevent the spread of disease in the region.
Source: Télam