From Cosmos (12/3/24)…
Antarctica wildlife at risk as bird flu surges around the globe
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the rugged Canadian coastline, a team of scientists ventured into the heart of a seabird breeding colony. The surroundings echoed with the cacophony of seabird calls, a symphony of life that reverberated through the coastal air. Yet, amidst the lively chorus, the scientists felt something was wrong.
They pressed forward, their footsteps muffled by the soft blanket of moss beneath their boots, until they came across what they had come here for – bodies, scattered across the rocky shores, their lifeless forms a stark contrast to the beauty that surrounded them. The scientists moved with purpose, their trained eyes scanning the landscape for clues amidst the chaos. With measured steps, they approached each fallen bird, their gloved hands gentle as they collected samples for analysis.
The cause of death? A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus known as H5N1
