Avian Influenza suspected in South Africa’s Marion Island’s seabird populations

SOUTH AFRICA – The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reports that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is believed to have reached Marion Island, where it may be responsible for recent deaths in at least three seabird species that breed on the island.

A team of 11 field personnel stationed on Marion Island for the winter season is monitoring the outbreak closely. 

They have received specific training to identify HPAI symptoms in both seabirds and seals, and they are implementing required protocols for tracking and containing the virus. 

Precautionary measures are in place to prevent the field team from inadvertently spreading the virus while gathering data to inform the DFFE on how best to respond to this potential outbreak.

The first suspected case emerged in mid-September, when symptoms appeared in a Brown Skua, a predatory seabird.

In early November, five additional cases were identified, involving three Wandering Albatross chicks and two adult Southern Giant Petrels, according to the department.

The virus, commonly spread over long distances by migratory bird species, may have reached Marion Island in this manner, the DFFE suggests. 

In response, the DFFE has collaborated with Western Cape Veterinary Services, marine bird and mammal biologists, disease specialists, and international experts to establish a protocol to manage HPAI’s impact on seabird populations in the region.

Situated in the southern Indian Ocean, Marion Island is one of South Africa’s two sub-Antarctic islands and is part of the Prince Edward Islands group.

Globally, HPAI (H5N1) has affected multiple regions since 2021. 

First identified in marine species in the South Georgia islands southeast of South America in October 2023, the virus spread to Antarctica in February this year. 

The 2023 avian influenza outbreak in South Africa had a significant impact on the country’s poultry population.

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) estimates that at least 205,000 chickens died and approximately 8.5 million were culled. 

This included 2.5 million broiler breeders and 6 million layer flock chickens. 

The culling also reduced the number of eggs available for hatching, leading to shortages across the country. 

To avoid shortages, the poultry industry imported 280 million fertile hatching eggs, mostly from Brazil. 

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