Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in a brown skua and a giant petrel in Western Australia.
This is the first time the globally circulating strain has been detected in Australia.
The migratory seabirds were found sick on an isolated beach in Cape Le Grand National Park, on Western Australia’s southern coast near Esperance.
At this stage, there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals. There have also been no detections in poultry.
The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low.
Both birds are migratory seabird species that occasionally visit southern Australia. They were found in an isolated area of the park and were managed in isolation following detection.
The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has responded swiftly to the detection. DPIRD is leading response activities on the ground including enhanced surveillance. DPIRD is also working with key groups, including:
- veterinarians
- wildlife carers
- local communities.
National coordination is being led by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. A key priority is to undertake targeted surveillance to determine any infection in wildlife populations.
Australia’s response is designed to manage the risks of H5 bird flu to reduce impacts on wildlife and communities and protect poultry production.
The Australia Government has committed $113 million to strengthen Australia’s preparedness for H5 bird flu. This includes more than $47 million for environment measures, such as:
- supporting enhanced biosecurity for 31 captive threatened species at 29 facilities across the country.
- supporting states and territories to prepare plans for key species and sites
- tackling other threats to at-risk species so that they can better withstand the potential impacts.
Continuing to monitor for H5 bird flu is now more important than ever. If you see multiple sick or dead birds or mammals with suspected bird flu do not touch them:
