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Posted: 12th January 2024

Avian flu discovered in sub-Antarctic mammals
“Given Antarctica is such a unique and special biodiversity hotspot it is sad and concerning to see the disease spread to mammals in the region” – Prof Ian Brown.
Seals test positive in South Georgia. 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in mammals in the sub-Antarctic for the first time.

Samples from dead elephant seals and fur seals on the island of South Georgia, a UK overseas territory in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, tested positive.

The virus has also been confirmed in brown skuas, kelp gulls and Antarctic terns. Samples taken from albatross and giant petrel colonies tested negative.

There have been no reports of greater than average mortalities among penguin species.

The samples were tested by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency at its laboratory in Weybridge. The agency is working alongside the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to monitor the spread of the virus.

Avian flu was first suspected to have reached the region in October 2023, following the deaths of a number of brown skua on Bird Island near the northwest coast of South Georgia. It is thought the virus was brought by birds migrating from South America.

BAS staff have increased biosecurity measures when moving between sites to try to limit the spread of the virus.

Professor Ian Brown, APHA’s director of scientific services, said: “Given Antarctica is such a unique and special biodiversity hotspot it is sad and concerning to see the disease spread to mammals in the region.

“If avian influenza continues to spread throughout the sub-Antarctic region this could significantly threaten the fragile ecosystem, and potentially put a number of very large populations of seabirds and sea mammals at risk.”

Image © Shutterstock



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