Bird flu confirmed among mass sub-Antarctic seal deaths as virus continues global spread

Scientists warn further spread could threaten fragile ecosystem, as tests show seals died of H5N1 on South Georgia island

A virology team has confirmed the first bird flu infections in elephant and fur seals in the sub-Antarctic region, as the highly contagious H5N1 virus continues to spread around the world.

Researchers previously reported the mass deaths of seals and that a number of elephant seals on South Georgia island - a UK overseas territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean - had been exhibiting symptoms of avian flu. But while seabird cases were confirmed, the seal infections were classed as suspected, pending lab results.