Bird flu found in South Georgian penguins

Following the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in subantarctic mammals (Brit. Birds 117: 122–123), HPAI has now also been detected in penguins on South Georgia. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reported that ‘several individual penguins have tested positive for HPAI’ – including five Gentoo Penguins Pygoscelis papua and five King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus (www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/penguins-test-positive-for-avian-flu-on-south-georgia).

The BAS is working closely in collaboration with the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, who govern the territory, and fieldwork involving close contact with impacted species has been suspended. BAS staff continue to follow strict biosecurity measures of enhanced cleaning of clothing and field equipment when moving between sites with high densities of wildlife, as well as remaining vigilant for signs of disease.