Bird flu ravaging Antarctic wildlife, scientist warnsIn a recent expedition to Antarctica, new cases of avian flu were discovered in Antarctic cormorants, kelp gulls, Adelie and gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur seals, according to researcher Victor NeiraSANTIAGO (CHILE) - Scientists are sounding the alarm over the spread of bird flu across Antarctica, with a leading Chilean researcher telling AFP Tuesday of an observed strain "capable of killing 100 percent" of infected fauna. In a recent expedition to Antarctica, new cases were discovered in Antarctic cormorants, kelp gulls, Adelie and gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur seals, Neira told AFP. "The virus has completely spread throughout the Antarctic region where we have the capacity to go and study," said Neira, a scientist at the University of Chile and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH). Animals such as Antarctic cormorants and skuas number around 20,000 in total. A global wave of bird flu has affected birds and mammals around the world since 2021, spread via bird migration.

Source: Bangkok Post February 18, 2026 02:10 UTC