The H5N1 strain of bird flu is spread by migrating birds. This has led to outbreaks on every continent, now including for the first time Antarctica, with its vast and vulnerable penguin colonies. There are concerns that an outbreak could devastate the continent’s delicate ecosystem.
There are problems in the world’s northern reaches as well. Science Alert reports that bird flu is threatening polar bears, and that one has died in northern Alaska, possibly after scavenging on an infected sea bird or seal.
“The current strain of H5N1 influenza has infected a far wider range of species than any previously recorded strain. This has included several mammal species, such as foxes, otters, sea lions and seals (including, for the first time, seals in Antarctica),” it said.
Human infection with bird flu is rare, but there have been a few deaths.
The publication said it was likely that the list of affected mammals and their geographical distribution would continue to grow slowly.
“This list is likely to continue to include only carnivores – and scavengers in particular.
“On the other hand, because influenza viruses are highly adaptable, ongoing surveillance of the H5N1 strain remains critically important. This will prepare us in case a new variant emerges that is adapted to mammalian hosts, potentially including humans,” Science Alert said.
