Bird Flu Detected in Polar Bear in Alaska

Wildlife officials in Alaska have confirmed the first known case of a polar bear that died from avian flu — highlighting growing concerns about the H5N1 strain's potential spread among northern mammals. 

That is reported by CBC.

The young bear was recently found by a biologist working in the state's remote North Slope region.  Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a type A influenza virus. It is lethal to poultry and is potentially fatal in humans.

Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska's state veterinarian, says that Alaska is trying to monitor the presence and spread of H5N1 in the state, but it can be difficult in such a vast territory.