Australian scientists have observed signs consistent with H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in wildlife during a management voyage to sub-Antarctic Heard Island.
At this stage it is not a confirmed detection. It reinforces the need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for an outbreak.
Heard Island is part of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands external Australian territory. It’s over 4000 km south west of Perth and 1700 km north of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean.
Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu. A confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk to Australia.
Scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days.
Observations were made by Australian Antarctic Program scientists on an environmental management visit to the island on board the RSV Nuyina. There were no observations of unusual levels of mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.
Seeing signs consistent with H5 bird flu in wildlife on Heard Island is not unexpected. 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.
Samples have been safely collected and securely packaged in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The samples will be submitted to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing when RSV Nuyina returns to Australia in mid November.
It will take some weeks to get the results from these tests.
The Australian Government is investing more than $100 million into strengthening bird flu preparedness and enhancing our response capacity. Further information is available at birdflu.gov.au
