Experts said that a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in the brown skua populations that were found in Bird Island, South Georgia.
They said that this is the first known case of the avian influenza in the Antarctic region.
First Case
The reported case of avian influenza came after reports of several potentially symptomatic birds as well as their unexplained mortality.
Following the mortality incidents, personnel from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff on Bird Island took samples to conduct a test.
After that, the swabs were returned to the United Kingdom and tested by the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in Weybridge and it was found that the test yielded positive results.
Experts said that the spread of the disease could be due to the return of birds from their migration to South America, a region where there are a high number of HPAI cases.
The British Antarctic Survey as well as the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) have remained vigilant for possible additional cases of avian influenza.
The source of the disease on Bird Island is not yet certain but it is possible that it was introduced via skuas returning from their migration in Argentina.
According to the BAS, it is working in close partnership with the GSGSSI guided by their tiered response plan to monitor and manage the outbreak.
Further, science and visitor programs are currently continuing under enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the avian influenza.
Due to the confirmed cases, the majority of field work that involves animal handling has been temporarily suspended by authorities.
On the other hand, biosecurity measures continue, including the enhanced cleaning of clothing and field equipment as well as the observation of areas of high wildlife density.