First H5 bird flu case confirmed in Queensland wild seabird

Queensland has confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu after a dead petrel washed ashore on Moreton Island. The bird was discovered by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff on July 18 and subsequently sent for testing.

Authorities announced the suspected case on Friday, with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirming positive results from tests conducted by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. The DPI stated there have been no detections in poultry or evidence of large-scale deaths in other animals within Queensland. The risk to human health is considered low.

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We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if.

Queensland's chief veterinary officer, Allison Crook, described the confirmation as expected, noting that the detection of H5 bird flu in the state was a matter of "when, not if." She added that authorities have intensified their surveillance program across Queensland. More than 1,000 reports have been made to the Queensland hotline since the first Australian case was reported in June. Crook urged the community and industry to remain vigilant.

H5 bird flu has now been detected in wild birds in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales, with 18 detections in total. However, no cases have been found in domestic poultry or the broader agricultural industry.

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I encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant.