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Transcontinental Spread of HPAI H5N1 from South America to Antarctica via Avian Vectors | Synapse

September 17, 2025Open Access

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Transcontinental Spread of HPAI H5N1 from South America to Antarctica via Avian Vectors

XRXu RuifengWuhan Institute of Virology GMGao MinhaoPolar Research Institute of China ZNZhang NailouWuhan Institute of Virology

Key Points

H5N1 viruses circulates now in Antarctica, expanding its historic range significantly.
In the Fildes Peninsula, brown skuas were found to carry clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 strains.
The study indicates potential risks for wildlife and ecosystems due to the presence of pathogenic viruses.
This geographic extension may facilitate further spread to other regions, underscoring monitoring needs.

Abstract

Abstract Our study has for the first time identified H5N1 strains (clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2) in brown skuas from the Fildes Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. These findings indicate that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses is now actively circulating in Antarctic ecosystems, representing a significant expansion of its geographic range.

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Cite This Study

Ruifeng et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68d45e6a31b076d99fa5f14e https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.06.674605