Local transmission of H5 bird flu 'very, very likely', SA government says
Australian authorities have confirmed the first instance of local bird-to-bird transmission of the H5 bird flu virus among greater crested terns. While the virus is spreading in wildlife, officials maintain that the risk to human health and the poultry industry remains low.
Why it matters
Represents a significant development in wildlife disease monitoring and biosecurity efforts to protect agricultural assets.
Greater crested terns, like this one in South Africa, are the latest birds in which suspected cases of H5 have been detected in South Australia. ( Matthew Fainman: iNaturalist/Creative Commons )
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says "some local transmission" has occurred between a number of greater crested terns in South Australia.
She says there is no evidence of mass mortality in animal populations, but it is expected to keep spreading among wildlife.
Authorities will focus on preventing spread to livestock and poultry, but say risk to human health is low.
Link copied Share Share article Federal authorities say local transmission of H5 bird flu has occurred between a number of greater crested terns in South Australia.
The announcement is the first time the virus has been confirmed as being transmitted between birds within Australia.
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