The bird flu virus continues to spread in the South Atlantic Ocean. The Falkland Islands government said there have been two confirmed cases among gentoo penguins on Sea Lion Island, a British Overseas Territory. “Further results are still pending. However, there are many more people who die under similar circumstances,” a spokeswoman said. So far, more than 200 chicks and several adults have been found dead.
Sea Lion Island – a popular excursion destination – has been closed to visitors since January 19, as has Steeple Jason Island in the northwest. The spokeswoman said rockhopper penguin test results are currently expected there. The government of the Falkland Islands, together with the population, has been preparing for a large-scale outbreak of the H5N1 virus for some time. “Everyone understands the importance of the islands’ wildlife and knows it is our duty to do as much as possible to protect them,” it added.
Suspicious case also in South Georgia
As the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ reported, there is also at least one suspected case of a king penguin on the island of South Georgia, about 1,500 kilometers from the Falkland Islands.
Virus endangers the Antarctic ecosystem
British scientists recently announced that they had discovered bird flu in mammals near Antarctica for the first time. The pathogen was found in elephant seals and fur seals. The virus was first detected in the region in October 2023 in the brown skua, a species of skua, on Bird Island near South Georgia. Experts warn that the spread of the virus is endangering Antarctica’s unique ecosystem. There have also been several recent reports of bird flu in the Arctic, including a dead polar bear.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
