The presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) in mainland Antarctica has been confirmed by scientists. Researchers fear an ‘ecological disaster’.
The HPAIV, commonly referred to as Bird Flu, induces severe illness in birds. Scientists from the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) are diligently striving to thwart the transmission of the virus to humans.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation announced that a team of scientists, headed by CSIC’s Antonio Alcami, discovered the virus in two samples taken from deceased skuas. Alcami conducts research at the Spanish Antarctic Base “Gabriel de Castilla” on Deception Island. He officially confirmed the presence of the virus on February 24th.
“The samples were acquired employing stringent protective measures to prevent virus transmission to individuals. Following sample collection, the viruses contained within were promptly rendered inactive to facilitate safe study,” stated the press release.
The press release also states that the samples were transported to the Spanish Antarctic Base for analysis, where CSIC researchers Angela Vázquez and Antonio Alcami conducted the examination.
The scientists concluded that the birds were infected with the H5 subtype of avian influenza, with at least one of the deceased birds harboring the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Colombia also emphasized that the detection of bird flu will assist national polar programs in their preparations to prevent transmission to humans.
Last month, a strain of bird flu was identified in gentoo penguins near mainland Antarctica. The recent discovery marks the first instance of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus reaching Antarctica, despite the considerable distance and natural barriers separating it from other continents. This finding potentially sheds light on the recorded bird deaths observed during the Antarctic summer, suggesting a link to the presence of the virus in the region.