Key facts
- Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu.
- The case was detected in a migratory sea bird.
- The bird was found in Western Australia.
- This is the first detection of H5N1 on the Australian mainland.
- H5N1 had previously been found in Australian waters and on islands.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the government will take measures to curb spread.
- The H5N1 virus has now reached every continent.
Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus. The detection was made in a migratory sea bird found in Western Australia. This marks a significant development as it is the first time the virus has been found on the Australian mainland. Previously, H5N1 had been detected in Australian waters and on islands within Australian territory, but not on the continent itself. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government is committed to doing everything possible to curb any potential spread of the virus. The confirmation also means that the H5N1 virus has now reached every continent globally. The government's response will focus on containment and monitoring to prevent further transmission.