Update on Heard Island’s H5 bird flu outbreak

Scientists onboard the research vessel RSV Nuyina have returned from a second expedition to Australia’s Heard Island in the remote sub-Antarctic and have confirmed that H5 bird flu is spreading among the island’s wildlife. The virus was detected in samples from Southern Elephant Seals, Antarctic Fur seals and Gentoo Penguins. 

At this stage we don’t know how many Gentoo Penguins are affected or whether other bird species on the island have also contracted the virus, owing to the difficulties associated with monitoring species on remote sub-Antarctic islands. Expedition scientists have reported that they didn’t observe any signs of mass mortality in mammals or birds while they were on the island. Data from aerial surveys is currently being analysed by scientists and may reveal a clearer picture about the extent of the outbreak.  

While there is still much we don’t know about the impact H5 bird flu will have in these remote Australian territories, it’s clear that Australia has reached a bleak milestone. 

According to Dr Yuna Kim, BirdLife Australia’s Seabird Project Coordinator, it is difficult to predict the possible impact of H5 bird flu on the island’s bird populations, including the Heard Island Shag (Leucocarbo atriceps nivalis) and Heard Island Sheathbill (Chionis minor nasicornis). 

“Experience from other Antarctic regions shows that impacts vary significantly by species and location.” Dr Kim says that lacking the baseline data needed to assess disease related mortality and population level impacts from threats such as H5 bird flu is an ongoing challenge in seabird conservation, and that long-term monitoring programs are required to address it. “The detection of H5 bird flu highlights an opportunity to strengthen long term monitoring of seabird populations at priority sites such as Heard Island”. 

Although Heard Island is over 4000 kilometres away, it is considered to only be a matter of time before the virus arrives on the Australian continent. Migratory seabirds such as Skuas, with their scavenging behaviour, give them a higher likelihood of carrying H5 bird flu closer to the mainland, and to other Antarctic colonies such as the incredibly wildlife-rich haven of Macquarie Island. 

While there is still much we don’t know about the impact H5 bird flu will have in these remote Australian territories, it’s clear that Australia has reached a bleak milestone. 

 “The Gentoo Penguins of Heard Island are now the first birds in an Australian territory to test positive for this virus that has devastated wildlife around the world. They will certainly not be the last,” said Professor Hugh Possingham, Vice President BirdLife Australia. “This confirmation is a critical reminder that Australian birds remain at risk”. 

While Australia remains on watch for signs of H5 bird flu, we can all play a part in the preparedness effort by following these steps: 

Avoid, record, report. Avoid contact, record and report any signs of unusual sickness or death in waterbirds, seabirds or shorebirds. Raptors around water such as white-bellied sea eagles and ospreys could also be vulnerable.  For more info see here. 

The looming threat of H5 bird flu must sharpen our focus on protecting Australian birds and the habitats they depend on. Healthy bird populations have the best chance to withstand the effects of mortality from H5 bird flu outbreaks. Everything we do as an organisation and a community to protect waterbirds, seabirds and shorebirds is vital preparation.