Australian scientists say they have observed signs consistent with H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in wildlife during a management voyage to sub-Antarctic Heard Island.
While suspicions have not yet been confirmed, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) says the observations reinforce the need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for an outbreak.
The island is part of the remote Heard Island and McDonald Islands external Australian territory, which sits more than 4,000 kilometres south west of Perth and 1,700 kilometres north of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean.
A confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk factor in Australia, but at present, the country is the only continent free from the highly contagious H5 bird flu.
In humans, symptoms can include cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulty, which can turn into pneumonia and sometimes require hospitalisation.
Other symptoms can include eye irritation, fever and chills, gastrointestinal symptoms, and serious complications are possible.
In animals, cases vary from mild to severe, and can include gastrointestinal issues, reduced egg production in birds, and sudden death.
According to the DAFF, scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days.
Observations were made by Australian Antarctic Program scientists on an environmental management visit to the island on board the RSV Nuyina.
There were no observations of unusual levels of mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and seabirds.
Instances of H5 bird flu on sub-Antarctic islands are not entirely unheard of, the virus has previously been found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, less than 450 kilometres from the Heard and McDonald Islands.
DAFF says samples have been safely collected and securely packaged in accordance with International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The samples will be submitted to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing in Australia in mid-November.
It will take some weeks to get the results from these tests.
How Bird Flu Spreads
H5 bird flu spreads between animals via infected droppings, contaminated environments, and close contact.Human infections are rare and typically occur after close contact with infected animals or environments.
If a person is displaying influenza-like symptoms after coming into contact with infected birds, they should seek advice from their doctor.
While the risk to people in Australia is low, it’s still important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and animals.
According to the Australian government, any H5 outbreak would receive a rapid and coordinated national and state response.
