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 Government Biosecurity Guidance Booklet - Updated
HPAI Bird Flu and Biosecurity Checklist updated 2024:
Suspect and confirmed cases of avian influenza in the Falkland Islands
Last updated 28th August 2025
|
DATE |
AREA |
SPECIES |
DATE TESTED |
RESULTS |
ACTION |
|
05/03/2025 |
Cape Dolphin Laskaridis Acreages Colony FK/124/25 |
Gentoo penguins x3 sampled; |
02/03/2025 |
05/03/2025 |
Level 1 response, increased biosecurity REVIEW 01/09/2025 |
|
14/03/2025 |
Volunteer Point (Volunteer Green and Cow Bay) |
Gentoo penguins x2 sampled; |
05/03/2025 |
13/05/2025 |
Level 1 response, increased biosecurity REVIEW 01/09/2025 |
|
28/08/2025 |
York Bay Gentoo Colony FK/430/25 |
Gentoo penguin x1 sampled |
15/08/2025 |
27/08/2025 |
Level 1 response, increased biosecurity REVIEW 29/09/2025 |
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
