Searching for high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in Antarctica

Nature The current panzootic spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has caused unprecedented mortality in wild animals worldwide¹. In 2022, the virus caused mass mortality of seabirds and marine mammals in South America, which raised concerns about HPAIV spreading to Antarctica. The wildlife in Antarctica is seasonally dense due to high populations found in breading colonies of birds and mammals, and many Antarctic sites are remote and difficult to access, meaning that HPAIV could have dramatic effects on its fauna without immediately being noticed. As a result, surveillance efforts in this area are crucial.

Continue reading