Scientists have confirmed the first known deaths from a contagious and highly pathogenic avian influenza strain called H5N1 in some Antarctic penguin species. H5N1 first arrived in the Antarctic in late 2023 and the virus has now been confirmed in some Gentoo penguins that were found dead in the Falkland Islands. Over 20 Gentoo chicks have been reported dead from the virus or are showing symptoms of bird flu. Other Gentoo penguins have been reported sick or dead at this same location, according to the Falkland Islands Department of Agriculture.
[Related: Seal pup die-off from avian flu in Argentina looks ‘apocalyptic.’]
Possible case in King penguins
Additionally, at least one King penguin is suspected to have died from bird flu. According to the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network which is part of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, this would be the first death from bird flu in this species. The suspected case was reported on South Georgia island, about 900 miles east of the Falklands. However, the extent of the virus spread is still being reviewed and this death has yet to be officially confirmed.
“We have no conclusive evidence that king penguin populations in South Georgia have been impacted by the virus,” Laura Willis, the chief executive of the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, told The New York Times in an email. “We are monitoring the situation across the islands and apply a precautionary approach, which includes closing some sites to allow further investigations to take place.”
Colonies at risk of disease
The penguins in the Antarctic likely do not have any existing immunity to this pathogenic virus. They also breed in large colonies with cramped conditions, so it can spread rapidly if one bird is infected. More than 500,000 seabirds have died since the virus arrived in South America last year, with pelicans, boobies, and penguins among the hardest hit animals. Chile…
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