Bird flu kills thousands of baby seals on Heard Island in Southern Ocean
New research indicates that the H5 bird flu virus has caused the death of over 13,000 elephant seal pups on Heard Island in the Southern Ocean. Scientists warn that the virus is spreading rapidly and could have devastating consequences for wildlife in remote regions.
Why it matters
The high mortality rate among seal pups highlights the ecological threat posed by the H5 virus to isolated wildlife populations.
The H5 strain of bird flu was first detected on Heard Island in the Southern Ocean late last year, when researchers said hundreds of southern elephant seal pups had been found dead.
The report is based on scientific findings and observations without political framing.
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