Antarctic’s first bird flu cases spark wildlife concerns

The first cases of bird flu have been detected in seabirds in the Antarctic, raising concerns about the rapid spread of the disease among the densely populated colonies of birds and mammals in the region. The British Antarctic Survey confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia. It is suspected that the birds transported the disease upon their return from migratory journeys to South America. The virus could have a significant negative impact on the Antarctic wildlife population.