Disease and Antarctic wildlife

Preventing introduction and spread by people

The isolation of Antarctica can be used to reduce the chance of introductions if appropriate quarantine procedures are implemented. The good-will that exists among both Governmental and non-Governmental operators towards the Antarctic environment and its wildlife is probably the most important factor for establishing measures which will reduce the probability of disease introduction. It also provides the foundation on which to establish a variety of measures to limit the spread by people of naturally occurring disease.

Antarctic seals, such as these elephant seals at Davis, could be affected by the accidental introduction of disease from elsewhere in the world
Photographer: Paul Goldsworthy

Preventive measures should be based on scientific understanding of the risk of disease introduction and spread, however science cannot yet provide all the information that is needed and a precautionary approach should be adopted that builds on existing standards and procedures developed in other parts of the world.

Quarantine practices should be applied to both inter- and intra-continental travel. Gateway states could be used as an effective mechanism for applying disease prevention measures but the use of gateway states cannot be enforced. However, in the absence of such controls, uniform practices based on existing and familiar standards and procedures should be applied at point of departure, point of landing, point of dispersal to field sites and in the marine environment. A code of behaviour should be developed and adopted by all operators to ensure that all visitors to Antarctica understand the risk. The free exchange of information should also increase understanding of the risks and may help prevent the transmission of disease agents.