World’s First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Polar Bear Confirmed in Alaska

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : A polar bear found dead on Alaska’s North Slope has been confirmed as the world’s first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a polar bear. The bear was discovered in October near Utqiagvik, the northernmost community in the US. The cause of death was confirmed through sampling and study by the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management and other agencies. The bear’s ingestion of the influenza virus is believed to have come from scavenging on dead birds. The highly pathogenic avian influenza has been spreading rapidly among wild bird populations around the world, causing significant concern. Other animals, including foxes, bears, skunks, raccoons, mountain lions, and seals, have also been found dead after being infected by the virus. The current outbreak is considered unprecedented in its impact on wild birds and other wildlife. Alaska, as a mixing area for global bird migrations, is particularly vulnerable to the spread of avian diseases. The highly pathogenic avian influenza of 2014-2015 was introduced from Asia to North America by wild birds migrating through Alaska. The current influenza is also crossing continents through Alaska, from multiple directions. The virus is showing durability and persistence in the wild, raising concerns about its long-term impact..