A highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu outbreak has led to the deaths of more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups on a remote sub-Antarctic island. Scientists say the virus is increasingly crossing species barriers, raising urgent concerns about its evolving threat to wildlife populations.

Experts warn that this outbreak highlights how shifting ecosystems, climate pressures, and viral mutations are reshaping the relationship between disease and the natural world. The scale of the deaths underscores growing fears about biodiversity risks linked to emerging pathogens.

Bird Flu’s Deadly Leap: 13,000 Seal Pups Killed In Massive Outbreak

The US recorded its first bird flu-linked death Monday (Jan 6), raising alarm over the potential of human-to-human transmission. Health authorities in Louisiana declared that the 65-year-old patient had been hospitalised for respiratory illnesses and had underlying medical conditions.
Earlier in December, the health authorities identified it as the first serious case of human infection of the H5N1 virus in the country. &ldquo;The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds,&rdquo; the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement.
However, the statement added that the risk of human transmission remained low, saying it had not detected any such cases so far.
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&ldquo;While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk,&rdquo; the statement warned.
<h2>H5N1&rsquo;s first case</h2>
It is to be noted that while the first case of H5N1 was first detected in 1996, the number of cases has exploded since 2020 among bird flocks and mammal species. It was revealed in genetic sequencing that the version of H5N1 virus that infected the Louisiana patient was different from what was detected in many dairy herds and farms around the nation.
<h2>Symptoms of H5N1 virus</h2>
So far, at least 67 cases have been recorded in the US. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, all human bird flu infections, except one, have been detected only in the past 10 months. However, symptoms in most patients have been relatively mild, including pinkeye, coughs or sneezes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-outbreak-in-california-cdc-identifies-mutations-in-first-severe-human-infection-in-us-8570607">Bird flu outbreak in California: CDC identifies mutations in first severe human infection in US</a>
Of these 67, only two patients had no record of animal exposure. &ldquo;While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death,&rdquo; the CDC said in a statement Monday.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | It is to be noted that while the first case of H5N1 was first detected in 1996, the number of cases has exploded since 2020 among bird flocks and mammal species.

The US recorded its first bird flu-linked death Monday (Jan 6), raising alarm over the potential of human-to-human transmission. Health authorities in Louisiana declared that the 65-year-old patient had been hospitalised for respiratory illnesses and had underlying medical conditions. Earlier in December, the health authorities identified it as the first serious case of human infection of the H5N1 virus in the country. “The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds,” the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement. However, the statement added that the risk of human transmission remained low, saying it had not detected any such cases so far. Also read: Authorities begin culling after bird flu outbreak strikes Japan farm “While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk,” the statement warned. H5N1’s first case It is to be noted that while the first case of H5N1 was first detected in 1996, the number of cases has exploded since 2020 among bird flocks and mammal species. It was revealed in genetic sequencing that the version of H5N1 virus that infected the Louisiana patient was different from what was detected in many dairy herds and farms around the nation. Symptoms of H5N1 virus So far, at least 67 cases have been recorded in the US. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, all human bird flu infections, except one, have been detected only in the past 10 months. However, symptoms in most patients have been relatively mild, including pinkeye, coughs or sneezes. Also read: Bird flu outbreak in California: CDC identifies mutations in first severe human infection in US Of these 67, only two patients had no record of animal exposure. “While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death,” the CDC said in a statement Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

First human bird flu death recorded in US, CDC warns ‘death not unexpected’

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins.

Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment. Researchers suspect that the deadly H5N1 virus might be to blame, reports Reuters.

<h2>Is H5N1 responsible for the hundreds of dead penguins?</h2>

While suspicions point to H5N1, field tests were inconclusive, prompting further analysis. Samples are being sent to labs for deeper analysis as scientists are becoming more and more concerned about the emergence of H5N1 in South America in 2022 and its subsequent arrival in Antarctica.

As per the report, they fear the virus could decimate threatened penguin species and other wildlife on the remote continent&nbsp;already facing challenges from climate change and environmental stressors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-flag-potential-bird-flu-epidemic-as-100-times-worse-than-covid-707839">Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid'</a>

Meagan Dewar, a wildlife biologist from Federation University, expressed concern over the potential impact of the virus on Antarctic wildlife.

"This has the potential to have a massive impact on wildlife that is already being impacted by things like climate change and other environmental stresses," said Dewar.

She told Reuters that the dead Adelie penguins were found frozen in sub-zero temperatures on Heroina Island. While researchers were unable to tally all of them, their numbers were estimated to be in the thousands.

Despite the large colony of Adelies on the island, the live penguins had already migrated by the time of the expedition, said Dewar.

Her expedition confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of bird flu on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, particularly in skua seabirds known for preying on penguin eggs and chicks.&nbsp;

<h2>Emperor penguins face the threat of bird flu</h2>

With approximately 20 million pairs of penguins breeding in Antarctica annually, including endangered emperor penguins, the threat of bird flu exacerbates existing challenges.

"There is now the potential that emperor penguins could be affected come springtime next year," said Dewar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-human-case-of-bird-flu-detected-in-texas-the-patients-symptom-was-weirdly-shocking-706726">Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking</a>

Climate change-induced sea ice loss has already led to significant mortality among emperor penguin offspring, and the addition of bird flu could further endanger the survival of the iconic species.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins. Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment.

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins. Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment. Researchers suspect that the deadly H5N1 virus might be to blame, reports Reuters. Is H5N1 responsible for the hundreds of dead penguins? While suspicions point to H5N1, field tests were inconclusive, prompting further analysis. Samples are being sent to labs for deeper analysis as scientists are becoming more and more concerned about the emergence of H5N1 in South America in 2022 and its subsequent arrival in Antarctica. As per the report, they fear the virus could decimate threatened penguin species and other wildlife on the remote continent already facing challenges from climate change and environmental stressors. Also read | Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid' Meagan Dewar, a wildlife biologist from Federation University, expressed concern over the potential impact of the virus on Antarctic wildlife. "This has the potential to have a massive impact on wildlife that is already being impacted by things like climate change and other environmental stresses," said Dewar. She told Reuters that the dead Adelie penguins were found frozen in sub-zero temperatures on Heroina Island. While researchers were unable to tally all of them, their numbers were estimated to be in the thousands. Despite the large colony of Adelies on the island, the live penguins had already migrated by the time of the expedition, said Dewar. Her expedition confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of bird flu on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, particularly in skua seabirds known for preying on penguin eggs and chicks. Emperor penguins face the threat of bird flu With approximately 20 million pairs of penguins breeding in Antarctica annually, including endangered emperor penguins, the threat of bird flu exacerbates existing challenges. "There is now the potential that emperor penguins could be affected come springtime next year," said Dewar. Also read | Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking Climate change-induced sea ice loss has already led to significant mortality among emperor penguin offspring, and the addition of bird flu could further endanger the survival of the iconic species. (With inputs from agencies)

Is bird flu to blame for thousands of dead penguins in Antarctica? Scientists rush to find out

In what comes as a first, at least one king penguin is suspected to have died from bird flu in the Antarctic. If the suspicion is confirmed, it could spell havoc for the population of penguins on the continent.

In what comes as a first, at least one king penguin is suspected to have died from bird flu in the Antarctic. If the suspicion is confirmed, it could spell havoc for the population of penguins on the continent. According to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (Scar), the case was recorded on South Georgia Island. A gentoo penguin is also believed to have died after contracting the H5N1 virus at the same location. More than 20 chicks were also either dead or showed symptoms of the virus. Currently, the king penguins have clustered together for the breeding season. If the lethal variant of avian flu is indeed found in the dead penguin, it could rip through entire colonies and continue to spread through the region. King penguins measure about 3 feet in height and are regarded as the world's second-largest penguins behind Emperor penguins. Earlier this month, using satellite imagery, researchers revealed previously unknown colonies of emperor penguins along the edges of Antarctica. The scientists said that the finding of these nests adds a few thousand extra penguins to the earlier estimated population of 550,000. However, if the bird flu reaches them, it could be disastrous and wipe out the entire species. Emperor penguins are already considered "near threatened" and face extinction. The new bird flu scare has added to the challenge to protect them. Watch: Four new emperor penguin groups discovered in Antarctica H5N1 hits the continent The highly contagious H5N1 virus was first reported when it made its way to populations of brown skuas on Bird Island, part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, in October last year. The death of the migrating brown skuas led researchers to send swabs back to the UK for testing. The results confirmed the presence of H5N1 on the Antarctic island. Also read | Adorable blue Penguin at New Zealand's Wellington airport runway causes flight delays Scientists are concerned that owing to the continent's prior lack of exposure to H5N1, the wildlife has no natural immunity towards the virus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there have been instances where bird flu has been contracted by the mammals who eat presumably infected birds or poultry. Through this way, the virus might be able to jump from birds to mammals, therefore having a tremendous impact on the region's ecosystem. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists fear for penguins in Antarctica as one dies of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain

Brazil has detected its first-ever cases of H5N1 virus. The government has declared an animal health emergency. Will this lead to an outbreak? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Brazil records its first-ever spread of H5N1 virus cases

Peru on Tuesday (February 7) said that H5N1 bird flu virus has caused the death of 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds in recent weeks. This has been mentioned in the country's latest report on the disease's impact.&nbsp;Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said.

The agency further said that the dead birds include pelicans, various types of gulls and penguins.

Presence of H5N1 in dead sea lions, confirmed by laboratory tests has led authorities to announce a "biological vigilance protocol."

For its part, Peru's National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) urged people and their pets to avoid contact with sea lions and sea birds on the beach.

The authorities in Peru culled 37,000 birds on a chicken farm over bird flu in December.

Killing infected birds is part of the usual protocol to control avian influenza outbreaks.&nbsp;In November, the country declared a 180-day health alert after finding three cases of highly contagious H5N1 in pelicans.&nbsp;According to the SENASA agricultural health agency, the disease is transmitted by migratory birds from North America.

Since late 2021, Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, while North and South America are also experiencing severe outbreaks.

It is rare that bird flu jumps over into mammals -- and rarer still that humans catch the potentially deadly virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Peru on Tuesday (February 7) said that H5N1 bird flu virus has caused the death of 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds in recent weeks. This has been mentioned in the country's latest report on the disease's impact.

Peru on Tuesday (February 7) said that H5N1 bird flu virus has caused the death of 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds in recent weeks. This has been mentioned in the country's latest report on the disease's impact. Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said. The agency further said that the dead birds include pelicans, various types of gulls and penguins. Presence of H5N1 in dead sea lions, confirmed by laboratory tests has led authorities to announce a "biological vigilance protocol." For its part, Peru's National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) urged people and their pets to avoid contact with sea lions and sea birds on the beach. The authorities in Peru culled 37,000 birds on a chicken farm over bird flu in December. Killing infected birds is part of the usual protocol to control avian influenza outbreaks. In November, the country declared a 180-day health alert after finding three cases of highly contagious H5N1 in pelicans. According to the SENASA agricultural health agency, the disease is transmitted by migratory birds from North America. Since late 2021, Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, while North and South America are also experiencing severe outbreaks. It is rare that bird flu jumps over into mammals -- and rarer still that humans catch the potentially deadly virus. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Peru: Over five hundred sea lions, 55,000 pelicans, gulls and penguins die due to bird flu

Niger has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus at a poultry site in its capital Niamey, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said today. 
 
Niger&#39;s veterinary services submitted a notification to the OIE on Thursday after the outbreak was confirmed at the end of May, the Paris-based OIE said in a statement. 
 
The outbreak, which led to the death of 86,000 poultry birds, started in late February, and followed a previous outbreak last year, the OIE said. 
 
H5N1 bird flu has spread across a number of West African countries in the past two years, hitting poultry farms. 
 
&nbsp;The Republic of Cameroon last week reported an outbreak of the H5N1 virus that killed several thousand birds at a poultry breeding centre in its capital Yaounde. 
 
Today, the authorities in Cameroon&#39;s western region said in a statement they had banned the transport of chickens after over 1,500 chickens died at a farm in Bayangam. 
 
The series of outbreaks in West Africa has raised fears of transmission to humans, given a number of human deaths since the H5N1 virus first infected humans in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong. 
 
The H5N1 virus is also one of two bird flu types to have infected flocks in parts of France since last year. This led the country to impose a freeze on duck and geese breeding in affected zones earlier this year to stamp out the disease and protect its large foie gras industry.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has affected poultry farms across Africa in the past two years

Niger has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus at a poultry site in its capital Niamey, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said today. Niger's veterinary services submitted a notification to the OIE on Thursday after the outbreak was confirmed at the end of May, the Paris-based OIE said in a statement. The outbreak, which led to the death of 86,000 poultry birds, started in late February, and followed a previous outbreak last year, the OIE said. H5N1 bird flu has spread across a number of West African countries in the past two years, hitting poultry farms. The Republic of Cameroon last week reported an outbreak of the H5N1 virus that killed several thousand birds at a poultry breeding centre in its capital Yaounde. Today, the authorities in Cameroon's western region said in a statement they had banned the transport of chickens after over 1,500 chickens died at a farm in Bayangam. The series of outbreaks in West Africa has raised fears of transmission to humans, given a number of human deaths since the H5N1 virus first infected humans in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong. The H5N1 virus is also one of two bird flu types to have infected flocks in parts of France since last year. This led the country to impose a freeze on duck and geese breeding in affected zones earlier this year to stamp out the disease and protect its large foie gras industry.

Niger confirms bird flu outbreak

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