H5N1 has reached Antarctica | AFP
In February 2024, Antarctica reported the first case of H5N1. The scientific community is concerned that it could decimate threatened penguin species. | AFP
A scientific expedition in March found at least 532 dead Adelie penguins. Federation University Australia worry that thousands more could have died due to bird flu. | AFP
The dead Adelie penguins were found frozen solid in the sub-zero temperatures and covered in snow on Heroina Island, Reuters reported. | AFP
Lack of manpower meant the scientists couldn't estimate the total number of penguin casualties on the island. | Reuters
According to the latest reports, field tests to find the reason for the deaths failed to prove beyond doubt that bird flu claimed the penguins' lives. Further tests are being done. (Representational image | AFP)
However, the expedition did find the presence of H5 strain bird flu on the Antarctic peninsula and three nearby islands. | AFP
Among the species most threatened by H5N1 are the Emperor penguins. (X/Gary Miller, Auster Rookery)