First Local Spread of H5 Bird Flu Confirmed

IMAGE: PIRSA

Federal authorities have confirmed the first evidence of local bird-to-bird transmission of H5 avian influenza in Australia.

The finding follows positive tests in greater crested terns in South Australia, with officials confirming the virus is now spreading within a local wild bird population rather than only arriving through migratory birds.

Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson says genetic analysis shows the infected birds share a closely related virus profile, indicating local transmission among the flock.

The virus has not been detected in commercial poultry or other agricultural industries, and the Federal Government says the risk to human health remains low, although further detections in wild birds are expected as surveillance continues.