Bird Flu Detected in Second Tasmanian Location on King Island

Tasmania has confirmed its second case of the H5 strain of bird flu, with the virus detected in a crested tern on King Island. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) collected the bird near Currie on Thursday, and overnight testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain.

“

Unfortunately, H5 bird flu's arrival in Tasmania was expected at some point given the spread across the globe and across other Australian states.

This detection was anticipated by officials, given the virus's spread across the globe and other Australian states. The bird was initially reported through the Emergency Animal Disease hotline. Two more crested terns from the same location were reported late Thursday, with test results expected Saturday. Crested terns are a common sight along Australia's coastal areas, including Tasmania.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged the swift response from the community and NRE staff. He stated that the state is prepared and taking a proactive approach, implementing surveillance activities statewide. These include field monitoring, sample collection and testing, aerial observations, and the use of remote surveillance technology.

“

We are responding through surveillance activities across the state, including field monitoring, sample collection and testing, aerial observations and remote surveillance technology.

Tasmanian authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. Anyone spotting a sick or dead bird should avoid direct contact, document the sighting, and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.

“

We are prepared, we are taking a proactive approach, and we are responding quickly.