New penguin circumstances showed
15 March 2024
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Scientists in Antarctica are caution of the unfold of fatal H5N1 avian influenza virus after the illness used to be first showed at 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 hen populations international and hit South American wild hen and marine mammal populations onerous, has raised alarm in regards to the doable affect on Antarctica’s massive penguin colonies.
“We’re speaking about an overly being concerned possibility,” stated researcher Fabiola Leon from the Pontifical Catholic College of Chile who used to be a part of an expedition in overdue 2023 and early 2024 to observe for avian influenza in Antarctica.
“There are species in peril of extinction, reminiscent of emperor penguins and different birds.”
The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), which arranged the expedition, introduced this week it had detected the brand new sure hen flu circumstances within the area, which it stated used to be a “landmark” to find as it integrated circumstances in penguins.
The sure circumstances integrated 9 Adelie penguins and one Antarctic cormorant, Leon added. The virus used to be first present in skua seabirds at 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, caution that the crowded nature of penguin colonies and migratory actions may exacerbate the virus’ unfold.
“This will advertise, building up the velocity of transmission of the illness amongst quite a lot of hen colonies.”