Falkland Islands penguins detected with avian flu for 1st time

By Zeynep Katre Oran

For the first time, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) has reported the presence of avian influenza (H5N1) in Gentoo penguins living on the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) near Antarctica.

SCAR noted on its official website that researchers have launched an investigation into the cause of the death of 35 penguins on the Falkland Islands on Jan. 19.

A veterinarian Ralph Vanstreels from SCAR disclosed that samples from two deceased penguins that tested positive for H5N1 are marking the first detection of the virus in Gentoo penguins living on the Falklands.

As of Jan. 30, over 200 penguin chicks have died or are dying due to the avian influenza virus, according to Falkland Islands official Sally Heathman.

Heathman said the virus has not been detected in other local penguin species, but testing is currently being conducted on "Rockhopper" penguins.

Researchers have been concerned that penguins traveling from the Falkland Islands to Antarctica could spread the virus to the extensive penguin colonies in Antarctica.

* Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul