Virological studies of Adelie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) in Antarctica

Abstract

Serum antibodies to influenza virus hemagglutinin 7, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and avian paramyxoviruses were detected in Adelie penguin colonies in Antarctica. Infection with NDV and avian influenza virus was confined to particular colonies, whereas antibodies to the paramyxoviruses were detected in all seven colonies samples. Two avian paramyxoviruses were also isolated fromcloacal swabs. Results of serological tests must be interpreted with caution, as little as known about the persistence of specific antibodies in Adelie penguins.