Scientists have detected the presence of avian flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: HPAI) for the first time in the Antarctic region.
- It raises concerns for remote populations of penguins and seals.
- The HPAI was detected in brown skua (a predatory seabird) populations on Bird Island, South Georgia, making it the first known case in the Antarctic region.
- The findings by researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) followed reports of several potentially symptomatic birds and unexplained mortality and further tests confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
- Scientists fear HPAI may lead to a decline in the breeding populations of vulnerable fragile wildlife residing in the region.
- The viral disease HPIA or avian influenza, especially the H5 and H7 strains, mostly affects birds.
- These strains are highly pathogenic and have been reported in domestic poultry, resulting in high mortality if they manage to reach wild bird populations.
- The virus is known to spread among birds and mammals due to predators and scavengers feeding on infected birds.
- In recent cases, marine mammals have also been found to be infected.
- The ongoing outbreak of HPAI H5N1 was first reported in 2022.
