Avian Influenza Response 2023-24

Avian Influenza – Help Stop The Spread

Due to the increase of Avian Influenza elsewhere in the world, the Antarctic community is heightening its vigilance with regards to operations South this season. Here’s what you need to know:

Since the beginning of 2022, the increasing intensity of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere, around the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and southern Africa. HPAI has also caused elevated grey and harbour seal mortalities in the United States.

Polar stakeholders, from Antarctic Treaty parties to scientists, researchers and IAATO already have robust procedures in place to protect Antarctica from pathogens and non-native species, but due to the increase of Avian Influenza elsewhere in the world, we are all exercising enhanced caution this season.

In consultation with the SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Working Group (AWHWG), additional protocols were introduced to IAATO’s standard biosecurity procedures for 2022-23. An update for 2023-24 is now available on this page and in Section 7 of the FOM. These protocols are mandatory for all IAATO Operators and staff operating in Antarctica. They are also likely to evolve.

We’ll be updating this page as as more information and guidance regarding (HPAI) H5N1 becomes available, so please check back regularly.