H5 bird flu strain detected in Australian seabird for first time
The H5 bird flu strain has been detected in an Australian seabird for the first time, specifically a greater crested tern in South Australia. Authorities are investigating the transmission pathway, noting that while this is a concerning development, there is no evidence of mass wildlife mortality or spread to agricultural settings.
Why it matters
The detection of a highly pathogenic virus in native wildlife poses potential risks to biodiversity and the agricultural sector, necessitating enhanced surveillance.
A greater crested tern, like this one in South Africa, is the latest bird in which H5 has been detected in Australia. ( Matthew Fainman: iNaturalist/Creative Commons )
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says CSIRO lab testing has confirmed the detection of H5 bird flu in a greater crested tern.
It is the first time the strain has been detected in an Australian seabird, after previous confirmed cases involved migratory birds from the sub-Antarctic region.
The minister says an investigation is being conducted to determine "the potential pathway that resulted in the Australian seabird's infection".
Link copied Share Share article The H5 strain of bird flu has been detected in an Australian seabird for the first time, as testing on a fur seal found in New South Wales has returned a negative result.
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