Seven suspected bird flu cases in native species
Australian authorities are investigating seven suspected cases of bird flu in native greater crested terns. While no poultry or human cases have been detected, the industry is increasing surveillance to prevent a potential outbreak.
Why it matters
Early detection of avian influenza is vital to protecting the agricultural industry and preventing potential zoonotic transmission.
Facebook X (Twitter) THE poultry industry is on alert after seven suspected bird flu cases were found in native species, potentially marking a new phase for the outbreak.
The poultry industry is on alert after seven sick greater crested terns were found in South Australia’s southeast, sparking fears of a local transmission.
Five were collected from Southend in what could be the outbreak’s first cluster of cases in Australia.
“This is the announcement conservationists have been dreading,” the Invasive Species Council said.
Australia has 20 confirmed cases across SA, Western Australia, NSW and Queensland to date.
But only one has been discovered in an Australian native, non-migratory bird species.
The greater crested terns have been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for final testing to confirm whether they will be officially added to the growing list.
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