Australia to Pull 24 Staff From Macquarie Island Amid Bird Flu Fears
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Sydney: Australia will temporarily evacuate 24 scientists, tradespeople and support staff from its remote Macquarie Island research station amid fears of a potentially fatal H5 bird flu outbreak among the island’s wildlife.
Although H5 bird flu has not yet been detected on Macquarie Island, authorities expect the virus to arrive during the forthcoming elephant seal breeding season, which runs from September to November. Based on previous death rates, experts warn that an outbreak might kill up to 90% of elephant seal pups.
The decision is mostly intended to shield researchers from the psychological stress of observing a large-scale wildlife die-off, rather than to address a clear human health hazard. Australia claims the risk to people is low.
The research team will be evacuated by the Australian icebreaker RSV Nuyina, with the operation scheduled for September or early October. Following the station's closure, authorities plan to monitor the island with drones and live cameras.
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