Scientists identify avian cholera as major cause of penguin deaths in Antarctica

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Researchers found that avian cholera was the primary cause of thousands of Adélie penguin deaths in Antarctica in 2024, rather than H5N1 as first suspected. The study highlights a disease threat to Antarctic wildlife and the need for thorough investigation of outbreaks among seabirds and marine mammals.

Thousands of Adélie penguins found dead in Antarctica in 2024 were primarily victims of avian cholera, not high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5N1) as researchers initially suspected, according to a study published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. The findings highlight an underrecognized threat to Antarctic wildlife and the importance of comprehensive disease investigations, particularly as H5N1 continues to raise concerns for seabird and marine mammal populations.