Australia pulls all personnel from Macquarie Island over bird flu psychological hazards

The Australian Antarctic Division has ordered the removal of its 24 expeditioners from Macquarie Island, citing the psychological danger of a possible bird-flu outbreak that could decimate up to 90% of newborn elephant seals. While the island currently shows no signs of the H5 virus, officials warn that a sudden mortality event would be mentally taxing and could affect air quality. Deputy secretary Sean Sullivan explained that staying on site during such a scenario would be untenable for staff.

The government will deploy the icebreaker RSV Nuyina, currently in Singapore, to conduct the extraction in early October, ahead of the seal breeding peak. Plans are underway to monitor the island remotely with cameras and drones, and the long-term presence on Macquarie Island remains a priority. The decision does not affect Australia’s three mainland Antarctic stations, which face lower risk.