Landing at South Georgia

What is avian Influenza?
Avian influenza is a flu virus that is naturally found in wild bird populations. Low pathogenic avian influenza causes no sign of disease in birds, but there are other viral subtypes that can be more dangerous and contagious. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, is a variant that can become highly pathogenic and spread into wild populations.

How can Avian Influenza reach the Antarctic?
Since the beginning of 2022, the increasing intensity of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has affected hundreds of thousands of seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere, around the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and southern Africa.

During the Antarctic summer, many bird species start their yearly migration to the Antarctic waters to feed and reproduce, acting as vectors spreading the H5N1 to the far south. A recent report on the potential impact of bird flu on the Antarctic continent warned the disease was likely to spread from South America via gulls or skuas.

How can Avian Influenza affect Antarctic Wildlife?
Infected individuals can transmit the virus to other animals through their saliva and other bodily discharges, affecting mammals as well as birds. Since June 2022, high levels of mortality in seals (as well as other terrestrial and marine mammals) in the US and Canada has been linked to the seals contracting HPAI.

Is Avian Influenza contagious to Humans?
Human infections could happen primarily through direct contact with infected animals (dead or alive) or contaminated environments. However, as stated by the World Health Organization, bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, and to date all human infections with HPAI have been in people who work very closely for prolonged periods of time with birds such as poultry workers.

How can I help protect the Antarctic and avoid spreading the Avian Influenza?
Because of the resistance and ability of this type of virus to survive for long periods when temperatures are low, they can be carried on clothing and equipment and spread easily from location to location. This means that in any visit to the Antarctic, and particularly or even more strongly from now on, you will need to comply with already existing robust procedures to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens and non-native species.

How is Avian Influenza affecting Antarctic Tourism at present?
So far, there are no official guidelines regarding changes in activities in the Antarctic. Surely, procedures of biosecurity be taken out to the highest level. Therefore, before you travel, and once in Antarctica, make sure to follow strictly what your operator instructs.

References:

- IAATO: Biosecurity Protocols regarding Avian Influenza
- Panamerican Health Organization: Avian Influenza
- British Antarctic Survey: First confirm cases of avian influenza in the Antarctic Region
- World Health Organization: Avian Influenza
- IAATO Don’t Pack a Pest guidance