H5 Bird Flu now suspected in Australia

Statement from BirdLife Australia on suspected case of H5 bird flu reported from southwest WA

The Federal government has announced that a migratory Brown Skua in southwest Western Australia has returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza. A second bird, a Giant Petrel, found in the area is also being tested.

If these cases are confirmed as H5 bird flu (H5N1), this would mean the virus has arrived on the Australian continent for the first time. H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild, farmed and pet birds.

Large-scale outbreaks of H5 bird flu (H5N1) have killed millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of mammals around the world. Until now, Australia and New Zealand have remained free of the virus.

An outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australian birds could be catastrophic, as one in six Australian birds are already facing the threat of extinction.

BirdLife Australia has consistently advocated for robust monitoring and preparedness ahead of an outbreak. We are watching this development closely and seeking further information. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.

If you find a sick or dead bird that you suspect could have Avian Influenza (H5N1), remember to:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
• RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.
• REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

If this suspected case is concerned as H5 bird flu, it may result in a significant outbreak, threatening our wild birds and other wildlife.

BirdLife Australia and other wildlife experts have long warned that the arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia was imminent, and we have been calling for robust preparedness

The potential for H5 bird flu to kill wildlife in significant numbers means when it spreads to threatened species, the outcomes could be particularly catastrophic. We are potentially talking about extinctions.  — Kate Millar, CEO, BirdLife Australia