Mass seal deaths in southern Atlantic confirmed as bird flu

Scientists warn further spread could threaten fragile ecosystem, as tests show seals died of H5N1 on South Georgia islandA UK virology team has confirmed the first bird flu infections in elephant and fur seals in the sub-Antarctic region, as the highly contagious H5N1 virus continues to spread around the world.Researchers previously reported the mass deaths of seals and that a number of elephant seals on South Georgia island - a UK overseas territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean - had been exhibiting symptoms of avian flu. But while seabird cases were confirmed, the seal infections were classed as suspected, pending lab results. Continue reading...