The Galapagos National Park Directorate has announced a diagnosis of H5N1 avian influenza in three of five birds on unspecified islands in the Archipelago.

It is presumed that the cases have occurred in marine birds that inhabit and reproduce on specific islands with a unique avifauna.  The environment minister of Ecuador Jose Antonio Davalos stated, “This ministry deeply regrets the arrival of the virus to the Galapagos.  We have mobilized all of our resources and experts to implement measures that reduce the impact on this unique ecosystem.  however, we are issuing an urgent call to the public not to touch or pick up sick or dead birds.”

The population of Galapagos is dependent on a functional ecosystem that will be negatively impacted by the developing El Nino that will warm the seas surrounding the islands, reduce plankton and fish populations.  This will have a devastating effect on marine birds including three species of booby, pelicans, the unique Galapagos penguin and lava gull and other species in addition to the domestic sea lion population.  Galapagos is home to many endangered species that inhabit different islands in the archipelago. Susceptibility of many of these species to avian influenza is unknown at this time