HPAI Confirmed in Penguin Populations on South Georgia
March 11, 2024
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first detected in the brown skua population on Bird Island, South Georgia in October 2023.
Since then, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists and Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) personnel have undertaken monitoring across the Territory. The teams have been closely supported by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) via testing at their laboratories in Weybridge.
HPAI has now been confirmed from 23 sites across South Georgia. Species which have historically tested positive for HPAI H5N1 include: brown skua, kelp gul, wandering albatross, elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal.
The most recent results from samples taken in early February have confirmed the presence of the disease in one colony of gentoo penguins and one colony of king penguins on South Georgia.
Whilst the virus has been detected at a range of sites and in several species, the effects appear to be localised. GSGSSI will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor the impact of the disease on wildlife in the Territories.
Genomic sequencing surveillance data analysed to-date has confirmed previous assessments that there is no increased risk to human health. The risk of human infection with H5N1 remains very low.
Guidance for those visiting the Territory is available in the Biosecurity Handbook. As part of the response to HPAI, some sites on South Georgia are closed to visitors. At other sites, visitors are asked to continue following established biosecurity procedures to decontaminate clothing, footwear and field equipment before and after any landing between regions and sites.
