First case of H5 avian influenza strain detected in a seabird in Australia

Australian authorities announced on Friday that scientists had detected the first case of the highly contagious H5 strain of avian influenza in a seabird in the country.

Twelve cases of the H5 strain have been recorded in Australia since June, but they were limited to migratory birds and did not involve local wildlife.

Laboratory tests confirmed that a crowned tern, a large seabird, was infected in the coastal town of Robe in South Australia.

Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said at a press conference, “While this development is concerning, it is not unexpected,” adding that “there is currently no evidence of mass die-offs caused by the H5 avian influenza virus.”

She noted there were no signs of the virus spreading to other animal species or poultry, and emphasized that “the risk to human health remains low.”