Unusual deaths on Heard Island spark scientists’ investigation

Australia’s bird flu-free status hangs in the balance as scientists investigate mysterious elephant seal deaths on a remote sub-Antarctic island.

RSV Nuyina Antarctica. Picture: Pete Harmsen@Commonwealth of Australia

Australian scientists have observed signs of H5 avian influenza, or bird flu, in wildlife on the sub-Antarctic Australian external territory Heard Island.

Authorities say the disease has not been confirmed at this stage, but scientists fear the deadly disease has reached the island after signs were observed in elephant seals.

File picture of Elephant Seal on Heard Island.

“Scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days,” a joint statement between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and

the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water read.

There were no observations of unusual levels of mortality in other species on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.

Southern coast of Heard Island Photo: Peter Harmsen

Australia is the only continent to remain free of the disease which is wreaking havoc on the United States poultry and dairy cow industry as well as wildlife in other countries

Authorities say a confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk to Australia.

Samples have been collected and will be tested by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness when icebreaker Nuyina returns to Australia in November.

RSV Nuyina is the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations. Photo: Damen

It will then take several weeks for the results to confirm the disease.

The statement said seeing signs of the disease on Heard Island is not unexpected, as it has previously been found on French islands less than 450 km away.