Disease and Antarctic wildlife

Response to a suspected disease incident

If unusual mortality of wildlife is observed some response is required even if it is no more than to note the incident. A generic response plan should be designed to minimise anthropogenic amplification of the event and should include procedures to help identification of the species involved, the extent of affected animals and the possible causative agents. The response plan should also assist with decisions on whether control actions are appropriate.

The response plan should include elements that assist with readiness for a disease event, administration and coordination, communication, identification of resources and should provide access to information from any precedents. Response should be graduated and tailored to the circumstances of the event. The initial response should be containment by temporary restriction of access to the area and communication to all Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, the International Association of Antarctic Tourist Operators, international and national agencies and Antarctic operators. Each event should be carefully documented and reported through a central coordinating body so that the Antarctic community can learn from the event.