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Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region

Author

Listed:
  • Ashley C. Banyard

    (Addlestone
    Addlestone)

  • Ashley Bennison

    (Madingley Road)

  • Alexander M. P. Byrne

    (Addlestone
    Midland Road)

  • Scott M. Reid

    (Addlestone)

  • Joshua G. Lynton-Jenkins

    (Addlestone
    Addlestone)

  • Benjamin Mollett

    (Addlestone)

  • Dilhani Silva

    (Addlestone)

  • Jacob Peers-Dent

    (Addlestone)

  • Kim Finlayson

    (St Mary’s Walk)

  • Rosamund Hall

    (Madingley Road)

  • Freya Blockley

    (Madingley Road)

  • Marcia Blyth

    (Madingley Road)

  • Marco Falchieri

    (Addlestone)

  • Zoe Fowler

    (Bypass Road)

  • Elaine M. Fitzcharles

    (Madingley Road)

  • Ian H. Brown

    (Addlestone
    Addlestone)

  • Joe James

    (Addlestone
    Addlestone)

Abstract

Until recent events, the Antarctic was the only major geographical region in which high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) had never previously been detected. Here we report on the detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, respectively. We initially detected H5N1 HPAIV in samples collected from brown skuas at Bird Island, South Georgia on 8th October 2023. Since this detection, mortalities were observed in several avian and mammalian species at multiple sites across South Georgia. Subsequent testing confirmed H5N1 HPAIV across several sampling locations in multiple avian species and two seal species. Simultaneously, we also confirmed H5N1 HPAIV in southern fulmar and black-browed albatross in the Falkland Islands. Genetic assessment of the virus indicates spread from South America, likely through movement of migratory birds. Critically, genetic assessment of sequences from mammalian species demonstrates no increased risk to human populations above that observed in other instances of mammalian infections globally. Here we describe the detection, species impact and genetic composition of the virus and propose both introductory routes and potential long-term impact on avian and mammalian species across the Antarctic region. We also speculate on the threat to specific populations following recent reports in the area.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashley C. Banyard & Ashley Bennison & Alexander M. P. Byrne & Scott M. Reid & Joshua G. Lynton-Jenkins & Benjamin Mollett & Dilhani Silva & Jacob Peers-Dent & Kim Finlayson & Rosamund Hall & Freya Blo, 2024. "Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51490-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51490-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Steven L. Chown & Andrew Clarke & Ceridwen I. Fraser & S. Craig Cary & Katherine L. Moon & Melodie A. McGeoch, 2015. "The changing form of Antarctic biodiversity," Nature, Nature, vol. 522(7557), pages 431-438, June.
    2. Mariana Leguia & Alejandra Garcia-Glaessner & Breno Muñoz-Saavedra & Diana Juarez & Patricia Barrera & Carlos Calvo-Mac & Javier Jara & Walter Silva & Karl Ploog & Lady Amaro & Paulo Colchao-Claux & C, 2023. "Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) in marine mammals and seabirds in Peru," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
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