Gentoo penguins the first birds on Australian territory to contract H5N1 as bird flu spreads
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Animal husbandry, fisheries & allied· Prelims·
Why in news
Gentoo penguins on Heard Island, an Australian territory, became the first birds in Australia to contract the H5N1 bird flu, prompting calls for increased wildlife protection.
Background
The H5N1 virus has spread from seals to Gentoo penguins on Heard Island. Prof Hugh Possingham of BirdLife Australia urged the government to increase protections as the virus devastates global wildlife.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentGentoo penguins: Species affected by H5N1 on Heard Island
- PlaceHeard Island: An Australian territory in the sub-Antarctic
- FactH5N1: A deadly bird flu virus spreading from seals to penguins
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological and economic implications of zoonotic avian influenza on biodiversity and the livestock sector in island and coastal ecosystems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological risk: Potential for rapid transmission across marine-terrestrial interfaces and loss of endemic species
- Biosecurity gap: Limitations in monitoring and rapid response for remote sub-Antarctic territories
Keywords: Zoonotic disease · Biosecurity · Biodiversity conservation · Avian influenza · One Health
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