Scientists have confirmed the first ever cases of highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza in mammals near Antarctica, on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. In October 2023, several brown skua seabirds mysteriously died on Bird Island. Soon after, nearby elephant seals started dying en masse. Scientists suspected bird flu may be involved.
In December, scientists collected samples from dead elephants seals, fur seals, brown skuas, kelp gulls and Antarctic terns on South Georgia. Testing confirmed the presence of H5N1 bird flu in these mammals and birds. Scientists believe migratory birds from South America likely introduced the virus to South Georgia. Scavenging seals then contracted the virus by eating infected bird carcasses.
The dense colonies of seals and birds in Antarctica raise concerns about rapid spread of the virus, which could decimate local wildlife populations. So far no infected penguins have been found. As a precaution, most scientific fieldwork involving animal contact has halted on South Georgia, and some tourist landing sites closed.
To add to worries about the virus impacting imperiled species worldwide, an Alaskan polar bear recently died of H5N1. Scientists warn if weakened Antarctic birds succumb to the flu, polar bears may readily eat the carcasses, allowing interaction between bird mortality, climate change and polar bear health.
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