Avian Flu Could Have Reached Marion Island

LNN - Network News

Avian flu, a highly contagious disease that can kill birds, has been detected on Marion Island, a remote subantarctic island located about 2,000 miles southeast of Cape Town, South Africa. This is the first time the virus has been detected on the island, which is home to a number of endangered bird species, including the wandering albatross and the yellow-nosed albatross.

The virus was detected in a dead northern giant petrel that was found on the island in late March. The bird was tested for avian flu and the results came back positive. This is the first time the virus has been detected in a wild bird in South Africa.

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is investigating the outbreak and has placed the island under quarantine. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has also been notified of the outbreak.

The DEA is urging people to avoid visiting the island until the outbreak has been contained. The virus can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds or their droppings. Symptoms of avian flu in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.

The DEA is working to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to other islands in the region. The agency is also working to vaccinate birds on the island and to monitor the situation closely.