Canberra
The Australian government has confirmed the first mainland case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain after it was detected in a migratory bird in Western Australia.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said testing by the Australian Center for Disease Preparedness found that a brown skua discovered in a national park in southern Western Australia on June 14 had died from the virus. The confirmation marks a significant development, as Australia was previously the only continent free from the H5N1 strain.
The virus has spread across many parts of the world since 2020, causing the deaths of millions of birds and other animals. Officials also reported that a giant petrel found sick near the same area has been placed under quarantine for further examination.
The Australian government had earlier allocated 113 million Australian dollars to strengthen preparedness against a possible H5N1 outbreak. Collins said authorities had studied international experiences and invested early to improve response measures.
Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson advised people not to touch sick or dead birds and to report any sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline. Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser said authorities would soon determine whether the virus has spread to local bird populations.
While the strain spreads rapidly among poultry and wild birds, human infections remain rare. The H5N1 strain was previously detected in Australia only on the remote Heard and McDonald Islands in the southern Indian Ocean during October last year.
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NZ tightens mornitoring
New Zealand has increased monitoring and preparedness measures after Australia confirmed its first mainland H5N1 bird flu case in a migratory seabird. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said authorities are closely tracking developments and coordinating with Australia. While the virus poses little risk to humans, farmers and bird owners have been urged to strengthen biosecurity and report sick or dead birds.
