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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

What we know about the birds infected with deadly bird flu and where they fly

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Australia is enhancing bird flu surveillance along its southern coast, focusing on two migratory seabird species testing positive for the H5N1 virus.
  • A giant petrel found near Esperance, WA, tested positive for H5N1 2.3.4.4b, following a brown skua found in the same area earlier.
  • Experts are studying the birds' movements and feeding habits to understand how the virus spreads and inform surveillance efforts.

Australia is intensifying its surveillance for bird flu along the southern coast, concentrating on the migratory patterns of two seabird species that have tested positive for the deadly H5N1 virus. A giant petrel discovered near Esperance, Western Australia, was confirmed to carry the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain, which has caused widespread mortality globally. This follows the detection of the same virus in a brown skua found in the same vicinity on June 14.

Both the brown skua and the giant petrel spend part of the year on subantarctic islands, located approximately 4,500 kilometers away, and migrate to Australian waters from Western Australia to Queensland during winter. Australia's chief veterinary officer, Beth Cookson, stated that an expert wildlife advisory group has been formed to track the movements and locations of these species, particularly where they might interact with other animals. This information will guide the enhanced surveillance strategy to determine if the virus has spread further.

Initially, authorities were concerned the virus would arrive from the north via migratory shorebirds. However, the detection of H5N1 on Kerguelen Islands and Heard Island and McDonald Islands in late 2024 and 2025, respectively, suggests transmission from the south is a viable route. Genomic sequencing is underway to pinpoint the virus's origin in Australia and whether it traveled directly from the subantarctic islands.

Research indicates that skuas and giant petrels play a role in spreading bird flu due to their feeding behaviors. They prey on live animals or scavenge carcasses, increasing their exposure to the virus. Birds can become infected through contact with mucous, saliva, feces, or by consuming infected carcasses. Skuas, known for stealing food from other birds, can also contract the virus indirectly through this kleptoparasitic habit.

That will help inform the enhanced surveillance approach that we'll take to determine whether this is spread further.

— Beth CooksonAustralia's chief veterinary officer, Beth Cookson, explained how the expert wildlife advisory group's findings will guide surveillance efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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