Avian Influenza Information
Since the beginning of 2022, the increasing intensity of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere, around the Atlantic, Pacific Ocean and Southern Africa. It is possible that avian influenza will arrive in the Falkland Islands, with migratory birds as the most probable vectors. Migrant birds returning to the Islands and mixing with local wild birds could transmit the virus, this coincides with the arrival of penguins and other seabirds for the breeding season. It is also possible for avian influenza to be introduced to the Islands through visitors clothing and outdoor equipment entering the Islands.
Avian influenza Falkland Islands Guidance Booklet
Suspect and confirmed cases of avian influenza in the Falkland Islands
Last updated 12th April 2024
|
DATE |
AREA |
SPECIES |
DATE TESTED |
RESULTS |
ACTION |
|
30/10/2023 |
Stanley |
Southern Fulmar x1 bird |
30/10/2023 POSITIVE |
02/11/2023 |
Isolated case - temporary control |
|
13/11/2023 |
Pebble Island |
Southern Fulmar x1 bird |
13/11/2023 POSITIVE |
16/11/2023 |
Isolated case - Level 1 response, increase biosecurtiy only IP lifted 01/12/2023 |
|
20/11/2023 |
Saunders Island |
Black Browed Albatross x1 |
20/11/2023 POSITIVE |
23/11/2023 |
Isolated case - Level 1 response, increase biosecurity only IP lifted 07/12/2023 |
|
15/12/2023 |
Steeple Jason |
Black Browed Albatross |
28/11/2023 POSITIVE |
15/12/2023 |
Level 3 response, access to Island is prohibited |
|
19/01/2024 |
Sea Lion Island |
Gentoo penguin x2 |
11/01/2024 POSITIVE |
19/01/2024 |
Level 1 response, people can now travel to Island but strict biosecuity arrangements still in place. |
|
29/01/2024 |
New Island |
Skua x1 bird only; |
25/01/2024 POSITIVE |
27/01/2024 |
Isolated case - Level 1 response, increase biosecurity IP lifted 22/02/2024 |
|
03/02/2024 |
Surf Bay |
Gentoo x1 bird only |
06/02/2024 |
07/02/2024 |
Islolated case - Level 1 response, increase biosecurity IP lifted 21/02/2024 |
|
13/02/2024 |
Stanley Common |
Hawk x1 bird only; |
12/02/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
Isolated case - level 1 response, increase biosecurity IP lifted 27/02/2024 |
|
07/03/2024 |
New Island |
Skua x3 birds; |
06/03/2024 |
06/03/2024 |
Level 1 response, increase biosecurity |
|
07/03/2024 |
Carcass Island |
Skua x2 dead & Gentoo penguin x2 highly suspect; |
06/03/2024 |
06/03/2024 |
Level 2 response, restricted access, essential persons only |
|
04/04/2024 |
Stanley |
Crested Caracara x1 bird only; |
03/04/2024 |
04/04/2024 |
Isolated case - level 1 response, location where bird was found is an infected place, public to follow biosecurity guidelines |
Information for visitors:
Avian Influenza Posters:
For more information on avian influenza please visit the Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) 2022 page on the Environmental Department page; Information Campaign Falkland Islands Avian Influenza
