Penguins are being affected by a new type of flu

There is a new strain of bird flu. However, this new mutation does not affect the usual suspects, nor to spread quickly. A team of scientists has discovered a new and unique strain of virus in Antarctica and that is affecting only the penguins.

According to the study published in the scientific journal Exchange, two large colonies of Adelie penguins, which inhabit the peninsula Antarctica, are carriers of bird flu but are not suffering the usual symptoms caused by the virus. In fact, the penguins don't appear to be sick. But the big question lies not in the fact that the Penguins are not to be affected by symptoms but how the animals were contaminated by the virus in the first place.

One of the researchers ' explanations for what happened is the presence of the virus in Antarctica, which probably was stashed on ice for years. However, other explanations are possible. The birds, including the Antarctic, tend to migrate thousands of miles each year, and during these migrations, the virus may have been transported to the region for over 50 years. It is also possible that the virus is transported by the whales and seals, the Dodo.

Regardless of how the virus ended up in Antarctica, experts are concerned, since the strain can spread even more. Even if the birds are not to be affected by the virus currently in future viral mutations may cause mass casualties.

If You Enjoyed This, Take 5 Seconds To Share It

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• StumbleUpon
• Digg
• Delicious
• LinkedIn
• Reddit
• Technorati