Background context
The first cases of avian flu in the Galapagos Islands occurred on September 19th, 2023. Since then, environmental authorities have made observations and avian sample collection in live and dead birds, in at least 29 places in the archipelago.
In this context, among the places where the disease was found are Genovesa Island and Punta Pitt, on San Cristobal Island. In these two sites, red-footed boobies were the most affected species, according to the Galapagos National Park.
The detection and diagnosis of the avian influenza in the Galapagos Islands, led the authorities to take extreme measures to protect the delicate ecosystem of the archipelago, home to 56 native species, 45 of which are endemic, meaning they are exclusive to this site.
In 2023, the avian flu, caused serious damage to coastal wildlife in Chile, Peru, and continental Ecuador (causing here the dead of 1.2 million birds).
Two sites have reopened in the Galapagos: Punta Espinoza (on Fernandina Island) and Bahia Urbina (on Isabela Island)
After exhaustive laboratory analysis and negative results for avian influenza, the Galapagos National Park Directorate informed last week about the reopening of two closed sites (Punta Espinoza and Bahia Urbina), where disembarking is made, and kayak and snorkeling are done.
“After the analysis of samples taken by the technical team, the results were negative for avian influenza. Therefore, the immediate closure is lifted” – Official Letter from the Galapagos National Park Directorate.
Restrictions continue in 4 tourist places
The Galapagos National Park, in collaboration with other organizations —such as the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency— have focused efforts on priority areas aiming to observe the virus evolution and its consequences on endemic and native bird populations.
During this week, the final results of the samples taken at Punta Pitt (on San Cristobal Island) and Isla Lobos are expected in order to evaluate the reopening of these tourist sites.
Meanwhile, on Genovesa Island and Española Island monitoring continues and land activities are prohibited.
In the Galapagos Islands, there are 45 endemic bird species.
The Galapagos Hawk can only be found in the archipelago. 