"Polar Bear in Alaska Marks First Known Avian Flu Fatality Amid Global Spread"
TL;DR Summary
A polar bear in Alaska has died from a highly pathogenic form of H5N1 bird flu, marking the first known case in the species. The virus, which has spread globally since 2020, has infected a wide range of wild birds and mammals but has not caused significant die-offs in most wild mammal populations. The polar bear's infection adds to concerns about the impact of the virus on vulnerable species, particularly as the polar bear is already threatened by climate change. The mode of transmission to the polar bear is uncertain, and it is unclear if other polar bears have been infected, posing challenges for wildlife monitoring in remote regions.
- First Case of Lethal Bird Flu in Polar Bears Reported in Alaska The New York Times
- Avian influenza death of Alaska polar bear is a global first and a sign of the virus' persistence Alaska Beacon
- Polar bear dies from bird flu as H5N1 spreads across globe The Guardian
- Alaska polar bear becomes first to die from bird flu The Independent
- First avian influenza death of Alaska polar bear reflects growing spread of virus Alaska's News Source
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