First penguins die in Antarctic of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain

A king penguin on South Georgia. The rapid spread of bird flu is a threat to populations already endangered by the climate crisis and overfishing. Photograph: David Tipling Photo Library/Alamy

At least one king penguin is suspected to have died from bird flu in the Antarctic. If confirmed, it will be the first of the species killed by the highly contagious H5N1 virus in the wild.

Researchers have previously raised alarm about “one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times” if bird flu reached remote Antarctic penguin populations. The birds are currently clustering together for breeding season, meaning the disease could rip through entire colonies if it continues to spread through the region.