A dangerous virus reached Antarctica: scientists discovered the first deaths of penguins

A highly lethal strain of bird flu has been discovered for the first time in chinstrap penguins. Previously, the virus known as H5N1 had already been discovered in Antarctica – scientists confirmed its presence in the bodies of dozens of dead birds, The New York Times wrote.

Now data from the UK Department of Agriculture shows the dangerous virus has reached chinstrap penguin colonies; their bodies were discovered in the Falkland Islands. Researchers say several dozen gentoo penguins fell ill and were later found dead, victims of bird flu.

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Additionally, data from the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network shows that at least one suspected case has been reported among king penguins in South Georgia, another British territory.

Researchers warn this is a “dangerous warning” as penguins are already under pressure. Antarctic birds face numerous threats, including:

• climate change;
• Environmental pollution;
• commercial fishing.

As a result, three species of chinstrap penguins, including emperor, macaroni and southern rock hopper penguins, are listed as vulnerable and endangered.

Note that the H5N1 virus was not detected in the Antarctic region until last autumn, which means the penguins probably have a weak immunity. Birds also breed in large, densely populated colonies; This means that once a penguin becomes infected, it will endanger others. Scientists fear H5N1 could cause mass deaths in local colonies.

At the same time, the extent to which the virus is spreading in chinstrap penguin populations is still unclear. South Georgia Government chief executive Laura Wills said researchers did not currently have conclusive evidence that king penguin populations in South Georgia were affected by the virus. Scientists continue to monitor the situation and are closing some facilities to prevent the spread of the virus.

The H5N1 virus first emerged in 2020 and caused unprecedented harm to wild birds and mammals. Last year it expanded further and eventually reached the icy continent.

The Antarctic region is an important breeding ground for more than 100 million birds, as well as mammals, including sea lions, seals and other animals. Researchers fear that if the bird flu virus spreads in Antarctica, it could threaten the existence of many already vulnerable species.

No cases have yet been reported on the Antarctic mainland, but experts say the virus may have spread undetected there.

Previously Focus He wrote that a dangerous virus destroyed 96 percent of seal pups, who did not even survive a year.