The primary case of a walrus dying from chook flu has been detected on one in every of Norway’s Arctic islands, a researcher has mentioned.
The walrus was discovered final 12 months on Hopen island within the Svalbard archipelago, Christian Lydersen, of the Norwegian Polar Institute, instructed AFP.
Exams carried out by a German laboratory revealed the presence of chook flu, Lydersen mentioned. The pattern was too small to find out whether or not it was the H5N1 or the H5N8 pressure.
“It’s the first time that chook flu has been recorded in a walrus,” Lydersen mentioned.
About six lifeless walrus had been discovered final 12 months within the Svalbard islands, about 1,000km (620 miles) from the north pole and midway between mainland Norway and the north pole.
Lydersen mentioned it was “not unbelievable” that a few of them had the chook flu.
Frank Wong, a molecular microbiologist on the CSIRO Australian Animal Well being Laboratory, mentioned transmission to walrus was of serious concern to marine mammals. Animals comparable to sea lions and fur seals had beforehand died from the illness, he mentioned.
He mentioned chook flu was nonetheless a “chook tailored virus” which is transmitted by birds like geese and geese. The sporadic an infection and unfold of chook flu in mammals was doubtless on account of mammals ingesting contaminated lifeless birds and dwelling in colonies in shut contact with different animals.
Walrus, which may develop to a weight of two tonnes, eat primarily fish and shellfish, however typically additionally eat marine birds.
Lydersen mentioned it was vital to observe developments as walrus are inclined to group collectively in summer season months when the ice move melts.
There is also a threat from a polar bear consuming an contaminated walrus corpse.
Hen flu has taken a rising toll on livestock since 2020.
It has already killed one polar bear in Alaska, in response to US authorities. Hundreds of marine mammals have died from chook flu viruses in South America, in response to Antarctic researchers.
Agence France-Presse contributed to this report
