British Antarctic Survey says avian influenza has now been detected in wandering albatross

 

Wandering albatross  (photo: Richard Phillips, BAS)

THE alarming spread of avian influenza in the Subantarctic islands of South Georgia is now claiming the lives of one of the world's most majestic birds - the wandering albatross.

Scientists with the British Antarctic Survey report that the deadly disease was first detected in the species early this month.

Says a statement : "Avian influenza was first detected in South Georgia  in October 2023.

"The first victims were brown skuas, closely followed by kelp gulls. 

"In January this year, it was discovered as being present in elephant and fur seal populations. 

"No penguins on the islands have yet tested positive for the disease, but it has been detected in one bird on the nearby Falkland Islands.

"Our teams on the islands and  at Cambridge  are working closely with the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

"Samples are tested at laboratories in Weybridge, Surrey."

The statement continues: "As a result of the confirmed cases of avian influenza, fieldwork involving close contact with impacted species has been suspended. 

"BAS members continue to follow strict biosecurity measures."

Ash Bennison of the BAS describes the spectacle of birds succumbing to the disease as "incredibly sad".

He reports that elements of research are continuing - for instance in  the monitoring of  black-browed albatross, grey-headed albatross, northern and southern giant petrels, gentoo penguins and macaroni penguins.