Researchers on a remote Australian island will be evacuated over fears bird flu could devastate the animal population and cause psychological stress for the workers.
The Australian Antarctic Division says it will withdraw staff from the Australian territory of Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean to protect the mental well-being of scientists.
While the government maintains the risk to human health from HN bird flu remains low, there are fears that a significant mortality event during the upcoming seal breeding season could cause severe psychological harm.
Macquarie Island, a World Heritage area, is home to large colonies of seals, including more than 80,000 southern elephant seals, and millions of breeding seabirds including several penguin species.
While the island is officially yet to be impacted by HN, the government's decision is an indication that it is taking the likelihood of the virus reaching its shores seriously.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water is predicting a high likelihood of a significant mortality event during the upcoming breeding season.
The island, where 24 expeditioners currently live and work, was established on the Southern Ocean island in 1948. It is roughly half-way between Tasmania and Antarctica.
The health of expeditioners had to be the highest priority, the department's deputy secretary Sean Sullivan said.
"Our expeditioners already live and work in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments," he said.
"It is important that we minimise any additional risks that could affect the well-being of our people and the safe operation of our stations."
Elephant seals have proved particularly susceptible to H5 bird flu, with pup mortality rates of more than 90 per cent discovered in some colonies in the sub-Antarctic external territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
Australia’s icebreaking research and supply vessel, RSV Nuyina, will travel to the island in early October to pick up workers and essential cargo.
The department said sending the Nuyina to extract its staff from Macquarie Island was a significant undertaking.
It said it was taking the precautionary measure as an unplanned evacuation could take months or disrupt the work being undertaken on other Antarctic stations.
The department said the situation at Macquarie Island was different to Australia’s Antarctic stations, where stringent H5 bird flu preparations can manage risks for expeditioners.
Because of the island’s remoteness and harsh conditions, active control measures for wildlife are not currently planned.
Rabbits, rats and mice have all been eradicated from the island.
Mr Sullivan said the Australian Antarctic Division was exploring options for monitoring the situation on Macquarie Island, with a view to returning expeditioners to the station in coming seasons.
"We remain committed to maintaining a long-term presence on Macquarie Island," he said.
