Highly Virulent Bird Flu Strain Threatens Antarctic Wildlife

A highly contagious and deadly strain of avian influenza is rapidly spreading across Antarctica, posing a significant threat to the region’s vulnerable wildlife populations. Scientists warn the virus, first detected in April 2024, is capable of causing near-total mortality in infected species.

Discovery and Spread of the Virus

The outbreak was initially identified by Chilean researcher Victor Neira and his team in five skuas, a type of polar seabird [1]. Since then, the virus has spread across approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) of coastline and has been confirmed in several other species, including Antarctic cormorants, kelp gulls, Adelie and gentoo penguins and Antarctic fur seals [2].

“The virus has completely spread throughout the Antarctic region where we have the capacity to go and study,” stated Neira, a scientist at the University of Chile and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) [4].

High Mortality Rate

The detected strain is particularly dangerous, with the potential to kill 100 percent of infected animals in a short period. Neira noted that in some areas, 90 to 100 percent of animals can succumb to the disease within one or two days [2].

Vulnerability of Antarctic Species

Antarctic species are particularly vulnerable due to their often small population sizes. For example, populations of Antarctic cormorants and skuas are estimated to be around 20,000 individuals, making them especially susceptible to the devastating effects of an outbreak [2].

Global Context

This outbreak follows a global wave of avian influenza that has been spreading worldwide since 2021. In 2023, thousands of Humboldt penguins in Chile were killed by the virus [2]. The virus is believed to spread through bird migration patterns.

Ongoing Monitoring and Research

Scientists continue to monitor the spread of the virus and study its impact on Antarctic wildlife. The remote and fragile ecosystem of Antarctica makes it particularly challenging to contain and mitigate the outbreak.