H5N1 highlights cumulative threats to South Shetland Antarctic fur seals

This letter draws attention to the immediate and elevated risks of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) to marine mammals in Antarctica, particularly the imperiled South Shetland fur seal (SSAFS). Within the last few months this virus has reached the Antarctic Peninsula putting millions of krill predators at risk. This virus is just one of several conservation threats that SSAFS are subject to cumulatively in the coming years.  We share recommended conservation actions, and recently-developed HPAI best practices to provide timely guidance for Antarctic researchers and managers.