Australia has confirmed its first detection of the H5 strain of bird flu, marking a major development in the global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The discovery means the virus has now been detected across every continent.
The case was identified in a migratory brown skua found near Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia. Further testing confirmed the presence of the H5 strain, while another seabird, a giant petrel, was also reported as a suspected case and is undergoing further checks.
For years, Australia had remained the only continent without a confirmed spread of the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu strain. Health and wildlife experts had warned that migratory birds could eventually carry the virus into the country due to global movement patterns.
Australian authorities have moved quickly to strengthen surveillance and emergency response measures. Officials stressed that the virus has not been detected in poultry or agricultural systems, but warned that protecting native wildlife remains a major priority.
The global H5N1 outbreak has caused significant losses among wild birds and poultry populations in recent years, while also spreading to some mammals. Human infections remain rare but continue to be monitored by health agencies because of concerns over the virus adapting to new hosts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as concerning but said Australia had prepared extensively for a possible arrival of the virus. The government has urged people not to handle sick or dead birds and to report unusual wildlife deaths.
