Western Australia investigates first suspected mainland H5N1 bird flu case
Authorities are testing a migratory seabird in Western Australia for the H5N1 strain, which has previously reached every other continent.
Authorities in Western Australia are investigating what could be mainland Australia's first case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain. A migratory seabird, identified as a brown skua, was found at Cape Le Grand national park on Sunday and has since died. The Western Australian government announced on Friday that the subantarctic species had tested positive for avian influenza, with further testing currently underway to confirm the exact strain.[2]
Australia was previously the only continent on Earth where the H5N1 bird flu strain had not yet been detected. The confirmation of the virus in Australia marks its arrival across all of the world's continents. As scientists work to verify the strain in the deceased brown skua, Western Australian authorities have revealed that a second bird is also sick and is currently being tested.[1][2]
Despite the active investigation and the positive test on the wild seabird, officials have sought to reassure the public and agricultural sectors. The agriculture minister stated that there is currently no evidence of mass mortality or infection among poultry in the region.[2]
