This story was originally Appeared in guardian is part of climate desk collaboration.
Bird flu has reached Antarctica, raising concerns about isolated penguin and seal populations that have never been exposed to the deadly H5N1 virus. The full impact of the arrival of the virus is not yet known, but scientists have expressed concern about the potential for “catastrophic reproductive failure” for the region’s fragile wildlife populations.
The virus was found in a population of a carrion species called the black-skull skua on Bird Island, part of the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. These migratory birds likely brought the virus from South America, where avian influenza is widespread and has already caused deaths. Estimation Chile and Peru alone are home to 500,000 seabirds and 20,000 sea lions.
The current outbreak of the highly contagious H5N1 variant, which began in 2021, is estimated to have killed millions of wild birds. Researchers have long been concerned about the potential impact on Antarctic wildlife. This is because many species are not found elsewhere in the world and are not known to have previously been exposed to avian influenza viruses.
researcher From the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Swabs from birds found dead of unknown causes were taken and sent for testing in the UK.
Ashley Bennison, BAS science manager at Bird Island, said: “This is a particularly sad event to confirm. We will continue to monitor species on the island as much as possible and continue our science, but the full impact is unknown at this time.”
Bird Island is considered one of the islands on Earth. richest wildlife habitat, home to many endangered bird species and 50,000 breeding pairs of penguins and 65,000 breeding pairs of fur seals. The island is located just off the northwest tip of South Georgia Island, about 900 miles southeast of the Falkland Islands.
a risk assessment A report published by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research on the impact of avian influenza on the continent shows that fur seals, sea lions, staghorn gulls and gulls are most at risk, followed by penguins, birds of prey, sandpipers and great shearwaters. It is said that it will continue.
Antarctic Chair Dr. Megan Dewar wild animals The report’s lead author, Health Network, said the disease could cause “catastrophic reproductive failure” in the region and have “catastrophic effects on many wildlife species.”
“Continued disease surveillance programs should be established to identify emerging pathogens,” the report states.
The H5N1 virus spread about 4,000 miles across South America in three months, facilitated by wild bird migration routes. Researchers say the fact that the virus was already spreading in South America makes it likely it will reach South Georgia at some point.
As a result of the positive test at Bird Island, most field work involving animal handling has been halted. Staff should take special care to ensure they wear clean clothing and field equipment.
The news follows recent research showing that some seabirds are starting to appear in the UK, where the outbreak was first reported. to show immunity to H5N1.
