Avian flu detected in polar bear in Alaska

Alaskan wildlife officials establish the first recorded instance of a polar bear succumbing to the H5N1 strain of avian flu, sparking increased alarm at the risk of the flu's expansion among northern wildlife. The discovery was reported by state veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach, stating that the bear’s infected body was recently located on Alaska's isolated North Slope by a field biologist. The bear had contracted the deadly H5N1 flu, as confirmed by swab samples.

Gerlach explained that in the region, birds infected with the virus had been discovered. He speculated that the bear had likely devoured a diseased bird. The H5N1 outbreak has led to the death of millions of birds across the globe. Initially found in Canada in 2021, the virus has decimated poultry farms and begun infecting raptors and mammals.

Monitoring the H5N1's presence and spread throughout Alaska is a target for Gerlach's team, but the enormous area presents challenges. Gerlach addressed difficulties in locating instances of the infection, due to quick scavenging by other animals of dead bodies. He also revealed that some avian species have been affected significantly by the flu, including eagles, magpies, waterfowl, and chickens in poultry farms.

Gerlach describes this outbreak as more enduring and influential than the last global episode of bird flu nearly ten years ago. H5N1 is known to affect humans, although infrequent, largely after exposure to infected birds or contaminated locations such as poultry farms or live bird markets.

Gerlach admits predicting the future of this global outbreak is difficult, as some researchers are concerned it could provoke another human pandemic. The virus's potential mutations and adaptations will need close cooperation between animal health and public health officials to foresee and be prepared for any potential hazards.

Jane Harms, the Yukon's territorial veterinarian, wasn't surprised by the Alaskan polar bear infection due to the widespread infection among other mammals. Until now, there's been scant evidence of wildlife infections in the Yukon. Monitoring infections in isolated areas is a challenge, Harms said, often depending on the public for reporting any sightings of ill or deceased animals.

Harms elaborates that the immediate concern is over wild bird populations as disease transmission among birds is straightforward. The risk of persistent and widespread transmission among mammals, though, is less clear. Nothing like the current outbreak has been seen before, with an alarming range of mammalian species, including polar bears, affected. Any unusual occurrences in wildlife health like this need to be closely watched, asserts Harms.