UK scientists find bird flu in penguin populations near Antarctica

UK scientists have found bird flu in penguin populations near to Antarctica.

The UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) tested for the H5N1 virus in South Georgia after several brown skua birds were found dead on the island in October.

Earlier this year, the virus was found in elephants and fur seals. Bird flu has also spread to Antarctic terns and wandering albatrosses, according to experts.

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Now, the virus has been discovered in five king penguins on the southern coast of South Georgia and five gentoo penguins from nearby Bird Island. The cases were confirmed in samples sent back to the UK to the International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza at the Apha laboratories in Weybridge, Surrey.

It is understood the H5N1 virus could have been introduced to the region via migrating birds from South America. While the risk to human health remains very low, the virus endangers the delicate and unique ecosystems of the Antarctic, experts say.

Scientists are concerned that the virus could spread during winter as the penguins huddle together to breed. However, they said the cases are currently localised.

Professor Ash Banyard, of Apha, said: "South Georgia is home to some of our most unique and special wildlife and is of great importance to international biodiversity, so it is sad to witness the effects of avian influenza on these populations. However, these cases remain fairly isolated, and we are not seeing a rapid spread through penguin colonies."

Bird flu has previously been found in seals around Europe and the Americas as well as in mink in northern Spain and foxes and otters in England. Positive samples have been found