First Native Seabird Records H5 Bird Flu Detection

A Giant Petrel, one of the several species of migratory birds that have tested positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza in Australia recently. IMAGE: PIRSA

Australia has recorded its first confirmed case of the H5 bird flu strain in a native seabird, after a greater crested tern found on South Australia's Limestone Coast tested positive for the virus.

The detection at Robe Marina marks the first confirmed case in an Australian seabird and brings the national total to 12, including 11 migratory birds and one native species.

The bird was reported through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline before testing by PIRSA and the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness confirmed the result.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven says the case is being treated as an isolated incident, with no other bird deaths detected nearby.

She says extensive surveillance across the state has not found evidence of mass wildlife mortalities, with authorities continuing to monitor the spread of the virus.

Two migratory birds found earlier this week at Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula have also been confirmed to have H5 bird flu.

Authorities are also testing a fur seal found dead on the New South Wales Central Coast, while confirming there is still no evidence of spread into poultry or livestock.