Scientists are scrambling to prevent a possible outbreak of a deadly and highly contagious form of the Avian flu, which is a viral infection found in domestic poultry and wild birds. According to a new report, published by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on September 26, 2023, “there is a high risk that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) will arrive in the Southern Ocean during the 2023/2024 austral summer.”
H5N1 arrived in South America in 2022, specifically in Peru and Chile which reported “more than 500,000 dead seabirds and 25,000 dead sea lions” according to OFFLU, a global network of flu experts. In addition, over 900 Humboldt penguin deaths have been reported in Chile. The disease is spread among wild bird migratory paths and transmitted “via the fecal-oral route and through environmental contamination” such as water.
Dr. Ralph Vanstreels, a researcher at the University of California wildlife health program for Latin America shared that “the distinctive emperor penguin … crowd[s] together in large colonies” which is “a recipe for disaster” for a highly contagious viral infection. He anticipates a high death toll if the virus goes unchecked. In addition, Dr. Meagan Dewar, Chair of the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN), warns of a devastating impact on “many wildlife species in the region [that will] … lead to catastrophic breeding failure and mortality events.” Currently, “there have been no identified cases of HPAI in Antarctic wildlife” however, the Antarctic Peninsula is at high risk of the virus.
According to COMNAP, the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, a series of protocols have been instituted to prevent cross-contamination. Although migratory habits of birds cannot be stopped, COMNAP advises preventing the “intra-continental spread of the virus by human activity.” The purpose of COMNAP is to “develop and promote best practice in managing the support of scientific research in Antarctica.”
The NSF and COMNAP are advising biosecurity protocols including not to visit seabird colonies or come into contact with concentrations of birds prior to departing for Antarctica. Prelanding/pre-entry surveillance is a requirement prior to entering a wildlife colony. In addition boots and equipment should be decontaminated before and after any colony visit or between colony visits.
Dewar advised, “With enhanced surveillance and monitoring, the AWHN hopes to measure HPAI impact on Antarctic wildlife health this season and next.”
Elizabeth Freed is a writer and researcher for over 20 years and is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow winner. She has taught STEM in middle schools since 2007 and invited scientists to share their research with her classes.
- Updated Guidance on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Environmental Update for USAP Personnel. 26 September 2023. https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=308279&org=OPP (Accessed 11 October 2023)
- Anthes, Emily. Bird Flu Raced Through South America. Antarctica Could Be Next. New York Times. 31 August, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/science/birds-flu-antarctica.html. (Accessed 11 October 2023).
- Updated Guidance on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Environmental Update for USAP Personnel. 26 September 2023. https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=308279&org=OPP (Accessed 11 October 2023)
- Anthes, Emily. Bird Flu Raced Through South America. Antarctica Could Be Next. New York Times. 31 August, 2023.
- Grabow, Johanna. Antarctic Wildlife at Heightened Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks. Antarctic Wildlife Neath Network (AWHN). 13 September 2023. Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. http://www.scar.org/scar-news/eg-bamm-news/avian-flu (accessed 11 October 2023).
- COMNAP. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Preparedness, Monitoring and Response. 1 September 2023. The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs. https://www.comnap.aq/heightened-risk-of-hpai-in-antarctica (Accessed 11 October 2023).
- Updated Guidance on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Environmental Update for USAP Personnel. 26 September 2023. https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=308279&org=OPP (Accessed 11 October 2023)
- Grabow, Johanna. Antarctic Wildlife at Heightened Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks. Antarctic Wildlife Neath Network (AWHN). 13 September 2023. Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. http://www.scar.org/scar-news/eg-bamm-news/avian-flu (accessed 11 October 2023).
