Summary
Antarctica is considered the most remote ecosystem in the world yet recent studies have discovered high infection rates for some common poultry diseases in penguins. Because of the increase in human presence in Antarctica from station personnel and tourism there is concern that humans are introducing the diseases to Antarctica wildlife. Alternatively, migratory birds such as the South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) may act as the primary agent bringing exotic diseases to Antarctic penguins. In this study we investigate the infection rates of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBDV), Newcastle Disease (ND) and Avian Influenza (AI) in South Polar Skuas around Davis Station, Antarctica. We used virus neutralization tests, specific ELISAs, and haemagglutination inhibition tests for IBDV, AI and ND respectively on sera from 125 South Polar Skuas. We found that 19.3% of the skuas around Davis station are seropositive for IBDV, 10% to Newcastle Disease and 1% to Avian Influenza. No clinical signs of the diseases are apparent in the skuas around Davis Station but future research is needed to determine the importance of disease to the reproductive success of skuas. By understanding the role that skuas play in the dynamics of diseases in Antarctica, we will be able to define the role of humans more clearly.