Bird flu has been detected in a dead polar bear in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago, marking the first time the virus has been found in the species in Europe. The Norwegian Veterinary Institute confirmed that a deceased walrus from the same region also tested positive for avian influenza.
Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The institute stated that this is part of a trend where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is increasingly found in European mammals and spreading to new Arctic areas. The detected virus in Svalbard is the H5N5 subtype, which has previously been found in birds, Arctic foxes, and a walrus in the area.
Previous Cases and Global Context
This follows a previous case of a polar bear infected with the H5N1 subtype in Alaska in December 2023. Broader detections have been reported in seals, mink, foxes, and otters across Europe and Antarctica.
The findings highlight the expanding reach of avian influenza into wildlife populations, raising concerns about its impact on vulnerable Arctic species.
