Bird flu H5N1

Infection among penguins can lead to "disaster" 

 

Over 200 penguins infected with bird flu have been found dead on the Falkland Islands off the coast of Argentina in January, several media reports.  

 

According to The Telegraph, authorities are warning of what could be "one of the biggest ecological disasters of modern times". The fear is that the infection will spread further to penguin colonies in Antarctica. 

 

It is the first time that researchers have confirmed that the species of donkey penguins is susceptible to the disease. 

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Scientists: Concern for seals - not other penguins  

 

Authorities warn that bird flu among penguins on the Falkland Islands could lead to disaster. But at least one researcher downplays concerns about further geographic spread to other penguin colonies.  

 

Ralph Vanstreels told Reuters that the species of penguins rarely leave the islands to go to the Argentine coast or to Antarctica.  

 

However, there is concern that other animals, such as seals, will be affected by the deadly virus.