Sequence of H5N1 Influenza Virus Discovered on Fildes Island, Antarctica in December 2024

During the 41st Antarctic scientific expedition in China, we collected multiple samples from wild animals on Fildes Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, and detected highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 positive in four brown skua samples. RNA was extracted from the samples and whole genome sequencing was performed. The analysis results showed that the samples contained the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 subtype 2.3.4.4b branch, which was the first discovery of H5N1 on Fildes Island in Antarctica. This discovery emphasizes the necessity of strengthening the monitoring of avian influenza in the Antarctic environment and wildlife populations, and the urgency of taking biosecurity measures to prevent the widespread spread of influenza.