British Antarctic Survey Confirms Detection of Bird Flu in Antarctic

The British Antarctic Survey has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia. These are the first documented cases of bird flu in the Antarctic region, leading to concerns about the rapid spread of the disease within the densely populated colonies of birds and mammals.

South Georgia is located in the British overseas territory to the east of the tip of South America and just above the main landmass of Antarctica. According to the British Antarctic Survey, it is believed that birds brought the disease back from their migration to South America. In August of this year, OFFLU, an open network of global avian influenza experts, issued a warning about a significant risk of the HPAI H5 virus spreading southward from South America, where it was initially discovered in October 2022.

The disease's potential to spread to Antarctica and its offshore islands was highlighted in a report released on August 23 by OFFLU. The report emphasized the threat posed to the local wildlife, particularly the Antarctic wild birds and mammal population. The report outlined the vulnerability of these species to the virus, as well as the risk posed by their dense colonies consisting of thousands of pinnipeds and hundreds of thousands of birds, which facilitates efficient virus transmission.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu is a result of natural infections among wild aquatic birds. Infected birds can spread the virus to other animals through their saliva and bodily discharges. OFFLU states that Antarctica and its offshore islands have a population of over 100 million breeding birds, six species of pinnipeds, and 17 species of cetaceans. OFFLU also warns of the potential for efficient virus transmission in this region.

OFFLU, established in 2005 through a collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health, aims to collect virus data and analyze disease patterns.

The British Antarctic Survey, in charge of the scientific endeavors of the UK in Antarctica, manages two research stations on South Georgia, including one on Bird Island where the confirmed cases were detected.

Several countries have witnessed record-breaking bird flu outbreaks this year, resulting in an unprecedented number of cases. Japan, for instance, had to cull nearly 10 million birds to contain the disease, leading to a strain on poultry supply and a significant surge in egg prices.