Headlines:Royal Navy icebreaker helps protect Antarctic penguins from avian flu
Jan 21, 2024: The Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship HMS Protector is conducting a scientific mission in the Antarctic, where it is taking measures to prevent the spread of avian flu among the penguin colonies. The ship is working with researchers from the University of Portsmouth, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and the Oceanites penguin-monitoring programme to collect and analyse samples from various penguin species. The ship is also helping the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust to preserve historic sites on the continent. The crew of HMS Protector are following strict biosecurity protocols to ensure that they do not introduce or transmit any contaminants to the vulnerable wildlife. Avian flu is a serious threat to Antarctica’s biodiversity, as it could cause massive mortality among the highly social and densely packed penguin colonies.
See also
- Penguin Portal
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- Penguins - Animal Hub
- Penguins - Newshound