Key facts
- Australia confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a migratory sea bird.
- The virus was detected in a brown skua found near Esperance, Western Australia.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to restrict the spread of the disease.
- A second bird, a giant petrel, also tested positive for H5N1.
- The detection means H5N1 has now reached every continent globally.
Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of the H5N1 bird flu strain in a migratory sea bird found in the southwest of Western Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the government would do "whatever we can to restrict any spread." Testing confirmed the virus in a brown skua found near Esperance, a town approximately 700 km southeast of Perth. The detection means the highly pathogenic avian influenza has now spread to every continent. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins noted that there is no evidence of mass mortalities or infection in Australia's poultry or agriculture systems at this stage. A second sick bird, a giant petrel found in the same area, also tested positive. Australia has been enhancing biosecurity measures, testing shore birds, vaccinating vulnerable species, and war-gaming response plans in preparation for the virus's arrival.