Influenza A(H11N2) Virus Detection in Fecal Samples from Adélie ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) and Chinstrap ( Pygoscelis antarcticus ) Penguins, Penguin Island, Antarctica

Although wild birds play a role in the transmission and ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) across the globe, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the worldwide distribution of these viruses in polar environments. In this study, using molecular analysis and full-genome sequencing, we describe the detection of distinct influenza A(H11N2) viruses in fecal samples of penguins in the Southern Shetland Islands, Antarctica. We emphasize the need for virus monitoring as AIVs may have implications for the health of endemic fauna and the potential risk of the introduction of highly pathogenic AIVs to the continent.