World

Scientists Report First Case Of Deadly Bird Flu In Mainland Antarctica

A fatal strain of bird flu has been identified on Antarctica’s continent for the first time, scientists say, posing a risk to the southern region’s massive penguin colonies.

“This discovery demonstrates for the first time that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus has reached Antarctica despite the distance and natural barriers that separate it from other continents”, Argentina’s Higher Council for Scientific Investigation (CSIC) announced on Sunday.

“The presence of the virus was confirmed on February 24 in samples of deceased skua seabirds discovered by Argentine scientists near the Antarctic base Primavera”, CSIC continued.

The verified case on the Antarctic peninsula, which follows occurrences on surrounding islands, especially among gentoo penguins, emphasizes the risk to the region’s colonies from the H5N1 avian flu, which has destroyed bird populations worldwide in recent months.

“Analysis has conclusively shown that the birds were infected with the H5 subtype of avian influenza and at least one of the dead birds contained the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus”, the CSIC added.

Hundreds of thousands of penguins congregate in densely packed colonies on the Antarctic mainland and neighboring islands, potentially allowing the fatal virus to spread rapidly.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research also reported a now-confirmed case at the research base.

Also read: French President: Sending Troops To Ukraine Cannot Be Ruled Out

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar Questions Victims’ Narratives; Stirs Fresh Controversy Over Pahalgam Attack

After Siddaramaiah’s anti-war remarks, another Congress leader stirs controversy over terror attack comments.

38 mins ago

J&K Assembly Condemns Pahalgam Attack; Observes Two-Minute Silence

The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly began its special session by observing a two-minute silence for…

1 hour ago

Sensex, Nifty Open Higher On Strong Buying In PSU Banks & Financials

Indian equity indices opened higher on Monday, driven by buying in PSU banking and financial…

2 hours ago

India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels; Tightens Measures After Pahalgam Attack

India has blocked 16 Pakistan-based YouTube channels for spreading provocative and misleading content against the…

3 hours ago

Liverpool Clinch 2024–25 Premier League Title With Emphatic Win Over Spurs

Liverpool have been crowned champions of the 2024–25 Premier League season following a dominant 5–1…

5 hours ago

How To Protect Your Hair From Hard Water Damage

Hard water a silent enemy of healthy hair. With high levels of minerals like calcium…

5 hours ago