Experts warn Australia's wildlife, including black swans and Tasmanian devils, could face a grim future if a deadly H5N1 bird flu strain spreads to ducks. The virus, already found in a migratory seabird in WA, has caused millions of deaths globally and devastated wildlife on Heard Island.
A suspected case of the deadly H5 strain of avian influenza has been detected in Western Australia, marking the first suspected instance on the continent. A brown skua seabird found dead at Cape Le Grand beach is undergoing genomic sequencing to confirm if it is H5N1.
Australia has detected its first suspected mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a brown skua found in Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park. Authorities are awaiting further tests to confirm the strain, which has spread globally through wild birds and mammals.
A brown skua found dead at Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia, has tested positive for avian influenza. Further testing is underway to confirm if it is the H5N1 strain. A second bird, a giant petrel, is also being tested. Officials urge the public not to touch sick or dead birds.
A migratory wild bird found sick in Western Australia has tested positive for avian influenza, with results for the deadly H5N1 strain expected Saturday. This is the first suspected case on mainland Australia, prompting investigations and public health warnings.
Australia has confirmed a suspected case of the H5 bird flu strain in a wild migratory bird in Western Australia. If confirmed, this would mean the virus has spread to every continent, having already killed millions of birds and mammals worldwide.
Australia has confirmed a suspected case of the H5 bird flu strain in a wild migratory bird in Western Australia. If confirmed, this would mean the virus has spread to every continent, having already killed millions of birds and mammals globally. Authorities are awaiting further test results.
A sample from Hong Kong's Wo Che Market tested positive for H9 bird flu, days after a two-year-old boy visiting the venue contracted a mild H9N2 strain. The risk of a serious outbreak is considered low, with the boy in stable condition and household contacts asymptomatic.
A market in Hong Kong tested positive for bird flu H9 after a child who visited the location contracted a mild strain. Health officials state the risk of a major outbreak is low.
Norwegian authorities confirmed bird flu (H5N5) in a polar bear and a walrus in Svalbard, marking the first European detection in a polar bear. The virus is increasingly found in mammals, raising concerns for Arctic ecosystems.
Laboratory tests confirm H5N1 avian influenza caused death of 44 peacocks in Tumakuru, Karnataka, between April 16-24. Authorities have put 33 villages within 10-km radius on high alert, deployed a rapid response team, and undertaken disinfectant spraying. No fresh deaths reported since April 23. The situation is under control.
