A call to innovate Antarctic avian influenza surveillance

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are increasingly spreading between birds and mammals globally, with sporadic transmission to humans. With recent emergence in Antarctica, traditional animal capture and influenza testing approaches have proven challenging and logistically impractical. Without reference laboratories in the region, responses are slow and few samples will ever be collected or tested from local outbreaks due to lack of infrastructure. We call for development of innovative data collection strategies that can be deployed for a diverse range of sample types for rapid, field-forward characterization. Policy shifts and enhanced biosecurity protocols are required to protect Antarctic biodiversity, and we advocate for global coordination and strengthened collaborations between national programs, tour operators, and scientists to establish a 'smart surveillance' network.

Keywords: Antarctica; H5N1; HPAI; highly pathogenic avian influenza; surveillance.