First confirmed cases of H5 bird flu on Australian Island

First confirmed cases of H5 bird flu on Australian Island

Test results have confirmed H5 bird flu is present in an Australian territory for the first time. Samples were collected when unusual numbers of dead elephant seals were observed on Australia’s sub-Antarctic Heard Island by Australian scientists aboard the research vessel RSV Nuyina. It marks Australia’s first confirmed case of H5 bird flu, a virus that has devastated wildlife populations overseas but had remained absent from Australian territories until now.

H5 bird flu (H5N1) is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain which can spread between mammals and birds and poses a serious conservation risk to Australian wildlife. Wildlife disease experts and conservationists including BirdLife Australia have long sounded the alarm that the arrival of the virus in Australia was a matter of time. The federal government recently outlined the allocation of $35.9M to “strengthen and accelerate” preparedness planning and protective action to help protect at-risk species and important natural places.

Heard Island is a haven for wildlife such as seals and seabirds including King Penguins, and populations of Heard Island Cormorant and threatened Heard Island Sheathbill, subspecies endemic to the island, and is considered a Key Biodiversity Area. The remote Australian territory lies in the Southern Ocean, over 4000 km southwest of Perth and 1700 km north of Antarctica. The confirmation of H5 bird flu has triggered immediate concerns for threatened and susceptible species that breed on the island and puts Australia’s readiness to respond in the spotlight.

“Australia has crossed into an important phase in the effort to protect birds and wildlife from the virus,” said BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar. “This incredibly bleak milestone forces us to reflect on how ready we really are as a country to face this threat.

“This outbreak in an Australian territory means H5 bird flu and its potential toll on wildlife is now Australia’s problem. This was always a matter of time and Australia’s response actions must be ready, from developing emergency response plans down to working with communities on the ground.

“Until today we had the good fortune of H5 bird flu sparing Australian territories, but that valuable window to plan and prepare is now closing,” Ms Millar said.

“We wrote to the minister seeking clarification of what would be done to respond to this outbreak and protect wildlife if H5 bird flu was confirmed and as we are yet to receive a formal response, those questions remain unanswered.

“H5 bird flu is a serious threat. Not only does it risk threatened species, but common and widespread birds like Australia’s beloved pelicans may be highly susceptible. Footage of piles of dead birds overseas is heartbreaking to watch and also illustrate a massive blow to local ecosystems and conservation efforts. In some cases, nearly half the population of some species are dying. We have to make every effort to mitigate these impacts in Australia, and prepare to support the recovery of affected bird populations.”

“There’s consensus across the conservation sector that we must undertake a consistent, one-health approach to preparing for outbreaks to reduce the impact of the virus on threatened and susceptible wildlife, and agriculture.

“We acknowledge the task at hand is as significant as the threat itself, but we have to ensure everyone is ready, resourced and coordinated to respond together. At the moment, Australia’s level of preparedness is inconsistent. This detection must be taken as a reminder of how urgent the situation is. Every jurisdiction should be asking themselves, what if the next case shows up here?”

Ms Millar said the current senate inquiry into the EPBC Act should strongly consider H5 bird flu. “Now is the time to ensure Australian bird populations and other wildlife have the resilience to recover from potential mass mortality events. 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.”

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

BirdLife Australia is helping monitor and prepare for a potential outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia. To find out more, including the latest news and practical steps you can take now, visit our dedicated H5 bird flu webpage.