A young elephant seal, found dead on Sea Lion Island has tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The Senior Veterinary Officer, Zoe Fowler, has confirmed this is the first case of the disease to be detected in a mammalian death in the Falkland Islands.
The elephant sea was found on South Beach, Sea Lion Island on the 30th of October, which has such been declared an infected place and a Level 1 response will be followed for Sea Lion Island, which includes adhering to increased biosecurity guidance.
Many pathogens including HPAI are zoonotic, which means they are able to transfer from species to species, for example, from birds to mammals, such as elephant seals.
Swabs taken from several dead Gentoo penguins from Wood Cove, Port Stephens have also returned positive results for HPAI. Given the number of dead penguins, a Level 3 response will be followed, and there are movement and research restrictions in place.
HPAI has also been confirmed following swabs from a single Gentoo penguin found dead at Surf Bay, and a small number of Gentoos found dead at Beach Point, Port Harriet. A Level 1 response will be followed at both of these sites.
Information on Biosecurity Guidance can be found at https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza
All declarations will be reviewed on Monday the 25th of November.
As always, the public are reminded to NOT TOUCH dead or sick animals, but report them to the Veterinary Services on 27366 or 55366 out of hours.
