Western Australia has recorded a suspect positive detection of H5 bird flu in a migratory seabird on a northern Perth beach (between Whitfords and Mullaloo beaches).
Western Australia has recorded a suspect positive detection of H5 bird flu in a migratory seabird on a northern Perth beach (between Whitfords and Mullaloo beaches).
Samples from a deceased giant petrel were submitted to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) laboratory returning a suspect positive result for H5 influenza in preliminary testing.
The deceased bird was reported on Tuesday (30 June) to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to confirm the results and determine if it is the H5 bird flu strain of concern.
There have been five confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, including four in WA and one in South Australia.
All of the detections have involved migratory seabirds that are known to occasionally visit southern Australia.
There is still no evidence of spread or large-scale deaths in local wildlife or any detections in poultry.
The community is encouraged to keep pets away from wildlife, including preventing cats from roaming and keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the response in WA, with a focus on enhanced surveillance and early detection in this investigative phase.
The response is being coordinated across multiple levels of government, involving joint efforts from DPIRD, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, local governments and other State agencies.
DPIRD will be utilising its team of fisheries officers to conduct increased beach patrols along the metropolitan coast and assist with the surveillance effort.
DPIRD is encouraging the community to continue to report unwell or deceased birds through to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
There has been a total of 795 reports from WA to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) hotline since Friday 19 June.
Of these reports, 118 have been prioritised by DPIRD based on the risk of H5 bird flu for further investigation or testing.
To date, a total of 58 negative test results have been recorded.
More information is available at birdflu.gov.au
Background: ACDP confirmed WA detections
19 June Brown skua – Southen coast, Cape Le Grand area, east of Esperance
23 June Giant petrel – Southern coast, Cape Le Grand area, east of Esperance
27 June Giant petrel – South West coast, Quindalup
30 June Giant petrel – Southern coast, west of Esperance
Suspect positive – WA based testing
3 July Giant petrel – Perth metropolitan coast (between Whitfords and Mullaloo beaches).
