Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a migratory brown skua in Western Australia, marking the virus's spread to every continent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Australia will do "whatever we can" to curb its spread, while Agriculture Minister Julie Collins assured it hasn't reached the poultry sector yet.
Migratory seabirds found on the Western Australian coast have tested positive for the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, marking its arrival on the Australian mainland. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed a brown skua died from the disease, and tests suggest a giant petrel may also be infected.
The H5 variant of avian influenza has been detected in a bird found on a remote beach in Western Australia, marking the first time the disease has appeared in Australia. Further testing confirmed the H5 strain in a brown skua, with a second bird, a giant northern petrel, also showing a suspected positive result. Authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and are preparing response measures, though there is no evidence of mass mortalities or infection in poultry at this time.
The highly pathogenic H5 strain of avian influenza has been detected in a brown skua found on a remote beach near Esperance, Western Australia. This marks the first time the disease has been found in Australia, with samples from a second bird, a giant petrel, also returning a suspected positive result.
