First cases of avian flu found in Antarctic region

Subject :Geography

SECTION: Physical geography

Context:

Scientists have detected the presence of avian flu for the first time in the Antarctic region, raising concerns for remote populations of penguins and seals.

Details:

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
It has been detected in brown skua (a predatory seabird) populations on Bird Island, South Georgia (The island is claimed by both Britain and Argentina).
Consequences: HPAI may lead to a decline in the breeding populations of vulnerable fragile wildlife residing in the region.

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI):

The viral disease HPIA or avian influenza, especially the H5 and H7 strains, mostly affects birds.
These strains are highly pathogenic and have been reported in domestic poultry, resulting in high mortality if they manage to reach wild bird populations.
It spreads among birds and mammals due to predators and scavengers feeding on infected birds. Marine mammals have also been found to be infected.
Earlier, HPAI H5N1 spread rapidly in South America and the southern end of the continent to Tierra del Fuego and led to mass scale death of South American Sea lions. Falkland Islands are at most risk.
Threatened species from HPAI:
- Avian groups like gulls and skuas, birds of prey such as hawks and caracaras, terns and shorebirds.
- Among marine mammals, fur seals, sea lions, southern elephant seals and dolphins.

Source: DownToEarth