High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Detected in Mammals in Sub-Antarctic - Urgent Measures Announced

In a concerning development, the presence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed for the first time in mammals in the sub-Antarctic. Expert teams from the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), working alongside the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), made the discovery on the island of South Georgia.

South Georgia, a UK Overseas Territory in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000km southeast of the Falkland Islands, has been closely monitored for seabird colonies, providing scientists with vital indicators of environmental changes.

HPAI was initially suspected on Bird Island off the northwest coast of South Georgia in October 2023 after brown skuas experienced fatalities. Sequence analysis suggested the virus likely entered the region through migratory bird movement from South America.

APHA scientist Dr. Marco Falchieri, part of the Influenza and Avian Virology team, collected samples during a three-week expedition onboard the Royal Navy vessel HMS Forth. Testing at APHA's laboratory in Weybridge confirmed HPAI H5N1 in elephant seals, fur seals, brown skuas, kelp gulls, and Antarctic terns.

Notably, albatross and giant petrel colonies on Bird Island tested negative, and no above-average mortality in penguin species has been reported.

The genomic surveillance data indicates no widespread mammalian adaptation of the virus, and the risk to human health remains very low. However, the disease's potential impact on the unique biodiversity of Antarctica is a significant concern.

APHA Director of Scientific Services, Professor Ian Brown, expressed sadness and concern, noting the potential threat to the fragile ecosystem and large populations of seabirds and sea mammals. He highlighted the importance of global collaboration to address the situation.

To tackle the disease and mitigate its impact, the Central Bank plans to introduce an Open Market Operations (OMO) auction schedule and review the Statutory Reserve Requirement (SRR) framework to align it with international best practices. These measures aim to enhance monetary policy effectiveness and support Licensed Commercial Banks in managing reserves.

BAS operates two research stations in South Georgia, with fieldwork involving animal contact currently suspended due to confirmed HPAI cases. However, essential scientific programs, including long-term monitoring of various species, continue under caution.

Laura Sinclair Willis, Chief Executive of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, expressed gratitude for ongoing support and stressed the importance of scrupulous biosecurity to prevent disease transmission.

This discovery follows the announcement of additional funding from UK Research and Innovation's Tackling Infections program and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the FluTrailMap project. The initiative aims to deepen our understanding of avian influenza, including transmission dynamics and the role of immunity in wild birds.

As the situation unfolds, international efforts will be crucial in safeguarding the unique ecosystems of the sub-Antarctic region. The APHA's expertise in avian influenza research will be pivotal in addressing this unprecedented challenge.