H5 bird flu suspected on Australia’s Heard Island

H5 bird flu suspected on Australia’s Heard Island

Suspected cases of H5 bird flu in elephant seals on Australia’s sub-Antarctic Heard Island have been observed by Australian scientists. If confirmed, the detection will mark Australia’s first confirmed case of H5 bird flu which has devasted wildlife populations overseas. The virus can spread between mammals and birds and poses a serious conservation risk to Australian wildlife.

Heard Island is a remote Australian territory in the Southern Ocean, over 4000 km southwest of Perth and 1700 km north of Antarctica. The island is a haven for wildlife such as seals and seabirds including King Penguins. Although H5 bird flu has previously been detected on the nearby Kerguelen islands, Australian territories are some of the last locations in the world to remain free of the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu H5N1 (H5 bird flu).

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said if testing confirms the presence of H5 bird flu on Heard Island, Australia will cross into an important phase in the effort to protect birds and wildlife from the virus.

“An outbreak in an Australian territory will mean this serious threat to wildlife is no longer on its way, it’s arrived. Our scientists have been warning that it is only a matter of time before H5 bird flu reaches the mainland.  Our level of readiness to respond to this threat must be raised.”

“Australia has had the good fortune of not yet detecting H5 bird flu and this has given us a valuable window to plan and prepare,” Ms Millar said. “Whilst Heard Island is a long way from the mainland, it is Australia’s jurisdiction and confirmed cases of H5 bird flu on the island should send a strong signal that the window is closing.”

“H5 bird flu is a serious threat, because not only will it risk threatened species, but species like Australia’s beloved pelicans are highly susceptible. Overseas outbreaks show us that species like these are particularly vulnerable. The urgency to put the plans in place to protect both threatened and common species is growing.”

Ms Millar said discussions underway in Parliament about reforms to the EPBC Act should also acknowledge the looming threat of H5 bird flu. “While these possible cases are being investigated, back in Canberra, Australia’s nature laws are under the microscope as well. This suspected outbreak on Heard Island should be a wake-up call to ministers that now is the time to ensure Australian bird populations and other wildlife have the reliance to withstand potential mass mortality threats like H5 bird flu. That means mandated plans to save threatened species, setting clear limits on habitat destruction, and establishing an independent referee with the power to keep everyone accountable.

“It was almost exactly one year ago that the federal government announced funds to prepare for H5 bird flu. This suspected outbreak is an important moment to reflect on how ready we really are as a country.”

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar is available for comments and interviews.

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries
Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au.