pdf IP101: Heightened Risk of Avian Influenza in the Antarctic Treaty Area

ATCM XLV and CEP XXV 2023, Helsinki, Finland

Information Paper

IP101: Heightened Risk of Avian Influenza in the Antarctic Treaty Area

Submitted: 28 April 2023

Background

While there are no known cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in the Antarctic Treaty Area, advice from avian influenza experts in 2022 suggested there was a heightened risk of the disease (commonly known as “bird flu”) arriving by way of migrating species during the 2022/2023 austral summer. The SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Working Group (AWHWG) raised concerns about the likely arrival and significant impact HPAI might have on wildlife in the Antarctic region.

AWHWG advises that the risk of HPAI arriving in the Antarctic Treaty Area remains high for the next two seasons, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. We wish to bring this to the attention of the CEP. A Background Paper submitted by SCAR and IAATO has already brought the matter to the attention of CCAMLR (SCAR & IAATO, 2022).

Work is underway through SCAR, IAATO and COMNAP to continue developing practical advice to identify suspected cases and to eliminate risk associated with direct human contact.

ATCM - Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
CEP - Committee for Environmental Protection
45th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
29 May - 8 June 2023