Bird Flu Infects Penguins in South Georgia’s Famous Haven
Bird flu has been confirmed in 10 penguins in South Georgia, a British Overseas Territory known for its diverse wildlife. Avian influenza had previously infected other seabirds and mammals on the sub-Antarctic island. The recently affected penguin species include gentoo and king penguins. While the immediate impacts are expected to be limited due to the closing breeding season, concerns arise for the next season when wildlife gathers again in large numbers.
South Georgia is renowned for its wildlife concentrations, with millions of birds and seals congregating on its beaches during the breeding season. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 strain, has been causing significant bird deaths globally. The virus was first identified iin South Georgia in October 2023, affecting brown skuas and spreading to kelp gulls, seals, terns, and wandering albatrosses.
The recent confirmation of bird flu in penguins is unsurprising, as the virus had already reached gentoo penguins on the Falkland Islands, about 1,500km west of South Georgia. Scientists believe that scavenging birds like skuas, which spend their winter around South America, likely served as vectors, introducing the disease to South Georgia.
The potential impacts on penguin species, including kings, gentoos, macaroni, and chinstraps, are of concern. Macaroni penguins, which spend much of the southern winter at sea, may avoid infection, while kings and Gentoos, which continue to roost on shore, remain exposed.
Surveillance efforts, supported by cruise ships in Antarctic waters, are crucial in monitoring the spread of bird flu. Members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) have enhanced protocols to prevent the accidental spread of disease by tourists in the region.
The global spread of bird flu poses challenges for wildlife conservation, and scientists are closely monitoring its interactions with different species to understand better the potential impacts on penguin populations in the region.
Comment Template