Oslo, Norway. Bird flu has been detected in a dead polar bear in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago, marking the first time the virus has been found in the species in Europe, a Norwegian government agency said on Tuesday.
Findings on Svalbard
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute said it also detected bird flu in a dead walrus on Svalbard, which is roughly halfway between the North Pole and mainland Europe. The institute said the detected virus is of the subtype H5N5, which in recent years has been found on Svalbard in birds, Arctic foxes and a walrus.
Trend in mammals and Arctic spread
“The findings are part of a trend where highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is increasingly being detected in mammals in Europe,” the institute said. It added that the virus has spread to new areas in recent years, including the Arctic, where it may have consequences for vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
Broader concern and investigation
The global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza has alarmed governments and poultry producers after devastating flocks in recent years, disrupting supplies, driving up food prices and raising the risk of human transmission. The institute said mammals can be infected through direct contact with birds or other mammals, and it was investigating whether the virus detected in the polar bear and walrus was specifically adapted to mammals.
What steps are authorities taking to monitor and limit the spread of bird flu in the Arctic?
