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Avian flu hits penguins in Antarctica. Scientists wonder how virus reached the icy region
Antarctica may be too cold and remote but this has not, apparently, helped prevent pigeons living in the icy region to contract avian flu, which is basically transmitted when birds get in contact with infected animals or contaminated secretions and surfaces.
In a study published in the journal of American Society for Microbiology mBio May 6, a group of international scientists described a new strain of avian flu that they discovered in the Antarctic after conducting tests on Adélie penguins.
Tech Times; 05 May 2014
Cited Journal Article
Hurt AC, et al. 2014. Detection of evolutionarily distinct avian influenza A viruses in Antarctica. mBio 5(3):e01098-14. doi:10.1128/mBio.01098-14.
Investigation into walrus disease closes with no cause identified
An investigation into a mysterious disease afflicting Pacific walruses has been closed with no culprit identified, federal agencies said on Monday.
The investigation into what scientists call an "unusual mortality event" -- an unexpected die-off of a large numbers of animals -- was launched in 2011 when seals and walruses began showing up with bleeding skin lesions, labored breathing, lethargy and hair loss.
Anchorage Daily News;15 May 2014
Flame Retardant Chemicals Weaken Frogs' Immune Systems
Young frogs exposed to flame retardants have weakened immune systems, which could leave them more susceptible to diseases that are ravaging amphibians worldwide.
A new laboratory experiment is the first to link flame retardants to immune system problems in frogs, and adds to evidence that pollutants may contribute to global declines of their populations.
Scientific American; 13 May 2014
Cited Journal Article
Tawnya L. Cary et al. Immunomodulation in Post-metamorphic Northern Leopard Frogs, Lithobates pipiens, Following Larval Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2014, 48 (10), pp 5910–5919. DOI: 10.1021/es405776m
Other Amphibian Health Related News
>>> Potential cure for captive amphibians with chytrid fungus [Cited journal article HERE]
OTHER WILDLIFE HEALTH RELATED NEWS
- Mystery over dead iguanas: Health advisory issued [West Bay, Cayman Islands]
- Mysterious sea star disease makes its way to Oregon [USA]
- Large-scale die-off of sea urchins discovered off Kaumakani [Kauai, Hawaii, USA]
- Sea Lions Are Starving to Death—and We Don’t Know Why
- Biologists check Vermont cave for bat disease rate
- New data led to 25 percent reduction in moose permits, biologist says
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