H5N1 reaches Antarctica – concern for wildlife and global consequences
The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has reached Antarctica for the first time, causing significant wildlife losses. The virus, which originally circulated in Asia and has spread globally in recent years, was first detected on the Antarctic mainland in February 2024. Researchers believe that migratory birds from South America introduced the virus. Affected species, including various seabirds and seals, typically show severe neurological and respiratory symptoms. Mortality rates are high as the animals have no immunity to the pathogen. In recent months, an increasing number of dead or severely ill animals have been found at several Antarctic research stations and along various coastlines. Colonies of brown skuas, giant petrels, and albatrosses are particularly affected, but the virus has also been detected in seal species such as crabeater seals and leopard seals. The spread is rapid, as many bird species breed in large colonies and the virus...
