Presence of Disease in the Penguins and Skuas of Macquarie Island

Project aim

This study investigates the role of Antarctic skuas in the transmission of diseases to royal and king penguins on Macquarie Island. Using blood samples and cloacal swabs we will assess the parasites and viral diseases of the Antarctic skua and the two penguin species. Up to 150 subjects of each species will be inspected. We will compare the sub-Antarctic environment of Macquarie with previous work in a continental environment. By understanding the role that skuas play in the dynamics of diseases in Antarctica we will be better able to define the role of humans in the system.