Second H5 bird flu case confirmed in Queensland after seabird tests positive

Queensland, Australia, has confirmed a second case of H5 avian flu, detected in a dead migratory seabird on the Sunshine Coast. The wild shearwater tested positive for the disease at a government biosecurity science laboratory. This follows the first confirmed case of H5 avian flu in the state, which was identified on Moreton Island in late July.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett addressed parliament, stating that the government's primary focus is safeguarding the state's multi-million dollar poultry sector. The detection of avian flu in wild birds raises concerns about potential transmission to domestic poultry populations, which could have significant economic consequences.

Authorities are likely implementing enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures to monitor the spread of the virus and prevent further outbreaks. The presence of H5 avian flu in wild bird populations is a known risk, and swift action is crucial to contain any potential spread to commercial farms.

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protecting the state's multi-million dollar poultry sector is the government's top priority.