The discovery marks the first confirmed H5 infection in an Australian seabird, prompting increased monitoring while officials say the risk to humans remains low.
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H5 bird flu has infected an Australian seabird for the first time, the Australian government confirmed on Friday. As a result, authorities have intensified monitoring in South Australia.
Laboratory tests identified the virus in a greater crested tern found in the coastal town of Robe.
Since June, Australia has confirmed 12 H5 bird flu cases. However, all previous infections involved migratory seabirds rather than local wildlife.
Authorities step up surveillance
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said officials had expected the detection.
However, she stressed that authorities have found no evidence of mass bird deaths linked to the virus.
Additionally, Collins said the virus has not spread to poultry, livestock or agricultural systems. She also said the risk to human health remains low.
Meanwhile, scientists are investigating how the virus infected the bird.
Collins explained that the greater crested tern shares coastal habitats with migratory seabirds that previously tested positive for H5.
Consequently, South Australian authorities have increased surveillance in the area where officials found the infected bird.
Experts warn about wildlife risks
Meanwhile, the latest case has renewed concerns about Australia’s unique wildlife.
Almost half of Australia’s wild bird species and 83% of its mammals exist nowhere else in the world.
Furthermore, H5 bird flu has affected waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds, birds of prey and several marine mammals worldwide.
In addition, health authorities have detected the virus in cats, goats, alpacas and pigs.
Scientists trace the virus
Earlier, officials said they were investigating whether migratory birds from the sub-Antarctic introduced the virus into Australia.
In June, scientists reported that H5 bird flu killed more than 13,000 elephant seal pups on Heard and McDonald Islands.
Therefore, the latest detection suggests the virus may now be reaching Australia’s resident seabird population. For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
