Australian scientists have detected signs consistent with H5 avian influenza in elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote sub-Antarctic territory over 4000 km southwest of Perth.
The concerning observations were made during a recent management voyage to the island by Australian Antarctic Program scientists aboard the RSV Nuyina, who noted unusual mortality levels among the elephant seal population.
While not yet confirmed, the signs align with known bird flu symptoms that have previously affected wildlife in the region.
“Seeing signs consistent with H5 bird flu in wildlife on Heard Island is not unexpected,” according to a joint statement from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
“This virus has previously been found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, which are less than 450 km from Heard and McDonald Islands.”
Australia currently remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu, and authorities stress that a confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk to Australia.
Scientists have collected samples in accordance with international safety protocols, which will be submitted to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness when the vessel returns to Tasmania in mid-November.
Results from these tests are expected to take several weeks.
R researchers observed no unusual mortality levels in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.
