Oct 25, 2023 at 12:33 AM Update: 44 minutes ago
Bird flu has reached the Antarctic for the first time. Scientists are concerned about the effect of this on seals, seagulls and penguins, for example, which have never before been exposed to the deadly bird flu virus.
The virus has been found in dead migratory birds on Bird Island, which is part of the Antarctic region.
The migratory birds probably brought the disease with them from South America. Bird flu is common there. In Chile and Peru alone, an estimated 500,000 seabirds and 20,000 sea lions have succumbed.
Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have discovered the virus. “This is a very sad event,” BAS researcher Ashley Bennison said The Guardian.
Bird Island is considered one of the richest nature reserves in the world. There are many endangered bird species. 50,000 penguin and 65,000 seal pairs also breed there.
Fear of problems with vulnerable animals during breeding season
The full impact of the arrival of the virus is not yet known, but scientists fear that vulnerable animals in the region will face problems during the breeding season.
From one risk assessment from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research shows that seals, sea lions and seagulls, among others, are at greatest risk. This is followed by other bird species, such as penguins and birds of prey.
To minimize the impact of the arrival of bird flu on Bird Island, researchers have stopped most field work involving animals.
Beeld: Getty Images
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AntarcticaVogelgriep
2023-10-25 04:25:42
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