First case of bird flu infection detected in the Antarctic region

Scientists have long feared the risk of the worst outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in history in Antarctica, the main breeding ground for many bird species.

British experts discovered the first case of avian influenza virus infection in the Antarctic region, raising concerns that this highly virulent virus could be a threat to penguins and other animals here.

Skua seabirds and penguins in Antarctica. (Source: The Guardian).

The British Antarctic Survey said it had taken samples from brown skua seabirds after they died on Bird Island in South Georgia, a British overseas territory on the eastern tip of South America and south of South Georgia. North of the main landmass of Antarctica.

Samples sent to the UK for testing all tested positive for avian influenza virus.

The agency believes that the most likely source of the disease is migratory birds on the return journey from migration to South America - where a large number of birds infected with avian influenza virus have been recorded.

Scientists have long feared the risk of the worst outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in history in Antarctica, the main breeding ground for many bird species.

Since mid-2021, large-scale outbreaks began spreading south to previously unaffected areas including South America, leading to mass deaths of wild birds and thousands of Tens of millions of poultry were destroyed.

Cases of bird flu in humans are very rare, and cases of illness are usually caused by direct contact with infected poultry.

In early October, Cambodia recorded the death of 2 children due to bird flu. This is the third death due to bird flu recorded in this country this year.

The virus is increasingly being detected in mammals, raising concerns that the virus could mutate into a version that is more easily transmitted from person to person.