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Australia Evacuates 24 Staff From Macquarie Island Over H5N1

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Australian Antarctic Division is evacuating 24 staff from its Macquarie Island research base.
Officials cite staff psychological wellbeing concerns if they witness an H5N1-driven elephant seal die-off.
Deputy Secretary Sean Sullivan says the evacuation applies only to Macquarie Island.
The 24 staff will depart on the ice-breaking vessel RSV Nuyina in early October 2026.
Victoria began vaccinating over 1,000 little penguins against H5N1 as part of the national response.

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Story summary

The Australian Antarctic Division is evacuating 24 staff from its Macquarie Island research base.
Officials cite staff psychological wellbeing concerns if they witness an H5N1-driven elephant seal die-off.
Deputy Secretary Sean Sullivan says the evacuation applies only to Macquarie Island.
The 24 staff will depart on the ice-breaking vessel RSV Nuyina in early October 2026.
Victoria began vaccinating over 1,000 little penguins against H5N1 as part of the national response.