New penguin instances confirmed
15 March 2024
2 minute learn
Scientists in Antarctica are warning of the unfold of lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus after the illness was first confirmed on the frozen continent’s mainland final month and has since been detected in native penguin and cormorant populations, reported Reuters.
The unfold of the virus, which has decimated fowl populations worldwide and hit South American wild fowl and marine mammal populations arduous, has raised alarm concerning the potential affect on Antarctica’s large penguin colonies.
“We’re speaking a few very worrying threat,” stated researcher Fabiola Leon from the Pontifical Catholic College of Chile who was a part of an expedition in late 2023 and early 2024 to watch for avian influenza in Antarctica.
“There are species in peril of extinction, resembling emperor penguins and different birds.”
The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), which organized the expedition, introduced this week it had detected the brand new constructive fowl flu instances within the area, which it stated was a “landmark” discover as a result of it included instances in penguins.
The constructive instances included 9 Adelie penguins and one Antarctic cormorant, Leon added. The virus was first present in skua seabirds on the Antarctic mainland final month.
“This detection of extremely pathogenic influenza H5N1 is for the primary time reported for Antarctic penguins and cormorants,” Leon stated, warning that the crowded nature of penguin colonies and migratory actions may exacerbate the virus’ unfold.
“This will promote, improve the speed of transmission of the illness amongst numerous fowl colonies.”
