Dozens of Aussie scientists will be evacuated from Macquarie Island over bird flu threat

Dozens of Australians will be evacuated from Macquarie Island over a potential outbreak of the deadly H5 bird flu virus this spring.

Twenty-four tradies, scientists and support staff are stationed at Macquarie Island, located in the Southern Ocean about 1500km southeast of Tasmania.

Australia’s icebreaking research and supply vessel, RSV Nuyina, will travel to the island in the next two months to evacuate the Australians and essential cargo.

The island is home to large elephant seal populations, with thousands of elephant seal pups born each spring that live close to research station buildings.

Scientists fear there is a high chance of a significant mortality event on Macquarie Island during this year’s breeding season, even though H5 bird flu has not been detected there yet.

Elephant seals are susceptible to H5 bird flu, with a 90 per cent mortality rate seen in pups on other sub-Antarctic Australian territories at Heard Island and McDonald Island.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Deputy Secretary Sean Sullivan said it was an unusual measure but it was the most appropriate course of action based on their risk assessments.

“Our first priority is the health and safety of our expeditioners,” he said.

“While the risk to humans of H5 bird flu is considered low, we can’t ignore the psychosocial risks of living near potentially large numbers of affected animals.

“Our expeditioners already live and work in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.

“It is important that we minimise any additional risks that could affect their wellbeing and the safe operation of our stations.”

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.

Originally published as Dozens of Aussie scientists will be evacuated from Macquarie Island over bird flu threat