Antarctic Penguins Face Deadly Threat of H5N1 Bird Flu
TL;DR Summary
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain of H5N1 has been confirmed in sub-Antarctic mammals for the first time, with two gentoo penguins found dead in the Falkland Islands. There are fears of HPAI reaching Antarctica, potentially devastating colonies of birds, penguins, and seals. Migrating birds likely carried the virus from South America to South Georgia, where infections have been confirmed in various bird and seal species. Experts warn of potential catastrophic impacts on the fragile ecosystem and large populations of seabirds and sea mammals in the region.
- An Unwanted First in Nasty Bird Flu Newser
- First Bird Flu Deaths Reported In Antarctic Penguins The New York Times
- First H5N1 avian flu detected in Antarctic penguins University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- First penguins die in Antarctic of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain The Guardian
- Survey in Falklands' small islands shows avian flu is continues to threaten MercoPress
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