Deadly Bird Flu Strain Detected in Antarctic Penguins

Scientists fear potential spread to tightly packed colonies, raising concerns for global wildlife and potential human spillover.

Deadly H5N1 bird flu strain found in gentoo penguins in the Falkland Islands, marking the first time this species has been affected.
Scientists are awaiting test results for a suspected case of bird flu in king penguins in South Georgia.
Concerns are growing over the potential spread of the virus to Antarctic penguin colonies, which could enable the virus to easily jump between individuals due to their tightly packed colonies.
The virus first arrived in the Antarctic in late 2023 and has been spreading quickly in wild populations since 2021.
The World Health Organization has urged public health officials to prepare for a potential spillover to humans in the future.