Wild birds gain immunity to avian flu in ‘encouraging sign’ amid deadly outbreak

Gannets on Bass Rock, off North Berwick. The world’s largest colony of northern gannets was hard hit by bird flu last year but 30% now have immunity.Gannets on Bass Rock, off North Berwick. The world’s largest colony of northern gannets was hard hit by bird flu last year but 30% now have immunity.Some birds have developed immunity to avian flu, according to scientists who say there are “encouraging signs” that the deadly virus could kill fewer birds this winter.

Preliminary research by a consortium of scientists has confirmed that two populations of seabirds now have immunity. They took blood samples of northern gannets on Scotland’s Bass Rock – which were hit hard by avian flu in 2022 – and found that 30% of them had antibodies.about the species – Bass Rock is the world’s largest colony. The researchers also tested shags, and found that about half had immunity.

It is not known how long immunity will last, as avian flu changes quickly, or what percentage of birds survived getting the disease initially. Seabird populations are slow to recover because they typically only have one or two offspring a year, so there are still concerns about long-term impacts. Researchers are now watching anxiously to see what happens this winter. October is a month of uncertainty due to the influx of migratory birds and the possible new variants they might bring with them.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Epicentre of deadly bird flu outbreaks shifts from Asia to Europe and AfricaIncrease of virus in wild birds is driving evolution and spread of new strains, researchers found
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

UK weather: Scottish town braced for evacuation order as Storm Babet hitsDecision expected later on whether to evacuate Brechin amid warnings of heavy rain and flooding
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Wild theory after monster shark ripped apartWhat’s spookier than a five-metre great white shark? Perhaps the fact that something bigger decided to snack on the apex predator’s guts.
Source: newscomauHQ - 🏆 9. / 77 Read more »

Big bang theory: Scientists sound out cause of Melbourne’s mysterious loud noiseHundreds of residents in Melbourne’s north reported hearing an explosion and seeing a bright flash light up the night sky.
Source: brisbanetimes - 🏆 13. / 67 Read more »

Big bang theory: Scientists sound out cause of Melbourne’s mysterious loud noiseHundreds of residents in Melbourne’s north reported hearing an explosion and seeing a bright flash light up the night sky.
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

Big bang theory: Scientists sound out cause of Melbourne’s mysterious loud noiseHundreds of residents in Melbourne’s north reported hearing an explosion and seeing a bright flash light up the night sky.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »