Scientists investigate thousands of dead Antarctic penguins for bird flu

FILE PHOTO: Researchers wearing protective suits collect samples of wildlife, where the H5N1 bird flu virus was detected, at Chilean Antarctic Territory, Antarctica, in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters on March 13, 2024. Instituto Antartico Chileno/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) - Has bird flu already killed hundreds, if not thousands of penguins in Antarctica?

That's what researchers are seeking to find out after a scientific expedition last month found at least 532 dead Adelie penguins, with thousands more thought to have died, according to a statement from Federation University Australia.