Health
H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Antarctica wildlife die‑off
Scientists confirm H5N1 bird flu caused the death of over 50 skuas in Antarctica during the 2023–2024 summers, marking the first such wildlife die‑off on the continent.
Researchers on an Antarctic expedition have confirmed that highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu triggered a mass wildlife die‑off, killing more than 50 skuas across several sites, especially on Beak Island, during the 2023–2024 summer seasons. Some affected skuas displayed severe neurological symptoms, including twisted necks and disoriented circling behavior, before falling from the sky. The findings, led by Erasmus MC in the Netherlands and the University of California, Davis, highlight the novel spread of this strain into the Antarctic ecosystem, where close contact with other seabirds and potential human‑mediated introduction raise concerns for future outbreaks. This represents the first confirmed H5N1‑linked wildlife mortality event on the continent.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Beak Island, Antarctica
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 06:30 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 06:30 UTC
- Source
- ScienceDaily
- Connected threats
- Not provided