Australia confirms H5N1 bird flu spreading in native bird population

Australia is grappling with the local transmission of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus within its native bird population, a development that has heightened concerns about the disease's wider spread. The virus, which first appeared in the country in June, has now been confirmed to be circulating among native species.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins announced on July 29 that transmission had occurred between greater crested terns in South Australia. "While there remains no evidence of any mass mortalities at this point in time, we do expect, with this local transmission, that there will be further detections in Australian wildlife," Collins stated at a news conference.

Currently, there are no reported infections within Australia's poultry industry. However, the spread in native birds is a significant concern, especially given the virus's global impact since 2021. The H5N1 strain has already caused millions of deaths in wild birds and mammals, affected poultry and dairy farms, and infected some farmworkers worldwide.

Four Australian states have recorded cases of the H5N1 strain. The confirmation of local transmission in native birds marks a new phase in the monitoring and management of the virus within the country, prompting vigilance for further wildlife detections.

“

While there remains no evidence of any mass mortalities at this point in time, we do expect, with this local transmission, that there will be further detections in Australian wildlife.