Penguins in Antarctica could face mass extinction if avian influenza reaches the continent.
On September 25, Jane Rumble, the head of the Polar Regions Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, provided this information.
A UK newspaper quoted Ms. Rumble as saying, the risk of avian flu infection in penguins could be extremely devastating…
Emperor penguins in Antarctica. (Photo: Sputnik).
This is a matter of time, not whether it will happen.
The newspaper reported that the official did not specify how many species of birds could be wiped out, but experts believe it will be a significant number, as penguins tend to live in closely-knit colonies.
The report added that the infection could arrive in Antarctica from South America, as over 100 million penguins migrate to breeding sites on land.
The newspaper emphasized that tourists on cruise ships may be banned from landing in Antarctica this year due to the risk of disease transmission, while those who do go ashore may have to undergo disinfection procedures.
According to the newspaper, protective measures for penguins against infection will be particularly relevant this year due to the expected record number of tourists.
More than 115,000 people are expected to visit Antarctica in 2023, compared to only 38,000 in 2015.
Scientists studying penguins in Antarctica have also been asked to postpone their research until next year if possible, the newspaper reported.
