Scientists warn bird flu is devastating Antarctic wildlife

(Patria) - Scientists are warning of the spread of bird flu across Antarctica, with a leading Chilean researcher stating on Tuesday that a strain "capable of killing one hundred percent" of infected fauna has been observed.

Researchers have warned in recent years about the spread of bird flu on the frozen continent, which hosts temporary teams of scientists but no permanent residents.
However, a particularly dangerous strain of the disease was discovered by Chilean researcher Victor Neira and his team in April 2024 in five skuas, a type of Antarctic seabird.

Since then, the virus has spread to other species, with cases detected along the 900-kilometer coastline studied by scientists.

In a recent expedition to Antarctica, new cases were found in Antarctic cormorants, kelp gulls, Adélie and gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur seals, Neira told AFP.

"The virus has completely spread throughout the Antarctic area where we have the capacity to go and study," said Neira, a scientist at the University of Chile and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH).

"This disease is capable of killing 100 percent of birds in short periods of time."

"For example, in one or two days, it can kill 90 percent or 100 percent of the animals in a given area."

Antarctic species often have small total populations, highlighting the risk of an outbreak.

Animals like Antarctic cormorants and skuas have a total population of about 20,000.

A global wave of bird flu has affected birds and mammals worldwide since 2021, spreading through bird migration.

During 2023, the flu killed thousands of Humboldt penguins in Chile.