The Falkland Islands government has confirmed that there have been two confirmed cases of bird flu among gentoo penguins on Sea Lion Island, which is part of the British overseas territory. "Further results [are] pending, there are however many more dying in similar circumstances," a spokeswoman said. So far, more than 200 chicks and some adults have been found dead. Sea Lion Island - a popular excursion destination - has been closed to visitors since January 19, as has Steeple Jason Island in t
(Reuters) -A deadly type of bird flu has been found in gentoo penguins for the first time, according to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), stoking concern that the virus could spread among Antarctica's huge penguin colonies. Samples taken from two of the dead penguins came back positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus, said Ralph Vanstreels, a veterinarian who works with SCAR. The Falkland Islands government told Reuters that many more gentoos were dying under similar circumstances.
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