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Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Monitoring Project

*Relevant authorities (see below) can report suspected and confirmed cases of HPAI to SCAR AWHN via the reporting form (previously provided) or via contacting AWHN [email protected].

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, that comprises the avian strains of the influenza A virus, which comprises both low pathogenicity (little to no disease) and high pathogenicity strains (causes high levels of morbidity and mortality in poultry and wild birds). Since 2021, a highly pathogenicity strain of avian influenza known as HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has caused significant outbreaks, decimating wild birds in the UK, Europe, South Africa and the Americas, and pinnipeds in South America. Since this outbreak began, millions of seabirds and tens of thousands of pinnipeds have died globally due to the disease. Many seabird colonies have experience significant loses with up to 50-60% mortality rates (e.g., Great Skua and Gannets). Oceania (Australia, New Zealand) and Antarctica were the only continents free of the disease until the 23 October 2023, when the first case was confirmed via PCR test on Bird Island, in the sub-Antarctic.

Given the dense breeding colonies of wildlife in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, HPAI is expected to have devastating impacts on the wildlife and to lead to catastrophic breeding failure and mortality events in the region. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the situation are essential to monitor the spread of HPAI in the region but also to understand its impacts. To assist with monitoring the movement of HPAI throughout the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions but to also increase our understanding of its impacts on wildlife populations, the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN) have established a central repository to record and monitor all suspected and confirmed HPAI outbreaks in the region.

HPAI Bulletin (27 December 23) HPAI Bulletin (22 Dec 23, update 15 Jan 24)

SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network HPAI Database

The Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN) has established a HPAI database to monitor and record information submitted to the AWHN on the spread of HPAI outbreaks in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica throughout the 2023/24 Austral Summer. This database will form a central reporting database to collate detailed scientific information on all suspected and confirmed outbreaks throughout the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica. The AWHN will also provide regular updates on current cases and recommendations via the map below on this website and regular bulletins.

How will SCAR use this data?

Information submitted to AWHN database will be used to:

Monitor the movement and spread of HPAI in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic region.
Update the AWHN risk assessment for wildlife species and geographical regions.
Update recommendations and guidelines for surveillance, monitoring and response to HPAI as we learn from this outbreak.
Update the polar community on current suspected and confirmed outbreaks of HPAI and to further understand the biology and movement of this virus.
Analyse the movement of HPAI and its impacts on wildlife colonies based on reported data.

From submissions, the following information will be made publicly available to the wider community via this website.

Date reported.
Region (sub-Antarctic/Antarctic)
Site Details (Site Name, Latitude/Longitude)
Species Affected
Status (suspected/confirmed)
- Type of Test

This database is moderated by Dr. Meagan Dewar (Federation University, Chair, SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network) and Dr. Michelle Wille (University of Melbourne, SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network). For enquiries related to the database, please email [email protected].

All suspected cases will be viewed by one of the SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Networks Avian Influenza experts.

The monitoring and reporting project has been and continues to be greatly assisted through collaboration with COMNAP and IAATO and their Members.

*Please note, SCAR does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original data submitted to the AWHN database.

Current Suspected and Confirmed Cases in the Region

The map below shows all sites where suspected or confirmed cases of HPAI have been reported to SCAR in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica. The AWHN will also provide regular updates on current cases and recommendations via the map below and regular bulletins. The latest bulletin is available here.

Data in this map is collated from reports made directly to AWHN data portal, WAHIS, and direct communication with AWHN. The results in this table are updated regularly and when information is publicly available. We would like to thank Ben Raymond, Anton van de Putte and the EG-ABI group for the creating and maintaining the map.

Reporting suspected and confirmed cases of HPAI

If you see signs of HPAI or unusual mortality events, report sightings to the relevant authorities for your region. Please note, the SCAR AWHN is not the official reporting authority for HPAI cases in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic region and you must report it to your relevant authority. Please note, all suspected and confirmed cases should be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health by the relevant authority.

These include:

For National Programs

For participants working as part of a National Program Expedition or from a scientific base, please follow your programs unusual mortality or HPAI reporting structure.

For Independent Scientists working in Antarctic or sub-Antarctic Region

Scientists working from tourist vessels must report all suspected cases to your Expedition Leader (EL)/Captain (for private vessels) and your permitting authority. Please do not report directly to IAATO, your captain or EL will take care of this.
Scientists working independently of a National Program, but not from a tourist vessel (e.g., on a sub-Antarctic Island), please contact your permitting authority.

For Tourism Operators

All sightings must be reported to IAATO and Operators National Competent Authority

For Residents of sub-Antarctic Islands

For residents of sub-Antarctic islands, please contact your local government authority to report any suspected events using their HPAI or animal disease hotline.

Submissions to the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network portal will only be accepted from the relevant parties listed above.