WE TALK ABOUT
The bird flu outbreak in Antarctica
THE deadly avian flu that struck Antarctica in late last year continues to wreak havoc on bird populations on the continent. Last year it was detected on sub-Antarctic islands in birds such as gulls, skuas and terns – now it’s reached the mainland of Antarctica.
“There are many reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting several species in the Antarctic regions,” says Matthew Dryden from the UK Health Security Agency.
“It may not have been reported on the Antarctic mainland until now because of the difficulties of accessing and sampling wildlife there.”
Researchers studying birds in Antarctica report that those affected show signs of heavy breathing and persistent coughing. They’re also very lethargic and struggle to fly.
The H5N1 outbreak has killed millions of birds globally since 2021,
