Second Wild Bird Tests Positive as H5N1 Bird Flu Response Intensifies in WA

Australia's response to the detection of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza strain has intensified, after authorities confirmed a second wild bird in Western Australia tested positive for the virus.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said CSIRO testing confirmed both a brown skua and a northern giant petrel found near Esperance, WA, were carrying the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain.

The brown skua was confirmed as Australia's first mainland H5N1 case on Saturday, with authorities confirming on Monday that a second bird found several kilometres away had also tested positive.

While the discovery is a significant development for Australia's biosecurity system, authorities say there is no evidence the virus has spread beyond the two isolated cases.

Australia remains free of H5N1 in its poultry and agricultural industries, and there have been no reports of mass wildlife deaths linked to the disease.

Even so, Western Australia's emergency response to the detections is continuing, with the state's Emergency Animal Disease Hotline reportedly receiving more than 50 reports of sick or dead birds over the weekend. Samples have been collected from several locations, as authorities investigate whether the virus has spread to other wildlife populations.

Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, told media there was no indication the disease had established itself in other bird populations, but investigations were continuing.

The recent detections have also prompted precautionary action across the poultry sector, with Australia's largest poultry producer, Ingham's Group, locking down its Western Australian operations.

The company has suspended non-essential access to sites and is seeking approval from the WA Government to temporarily house free-range birds indoors as an additional biosecurity measure.

These recent detections end Australia's status as the only continent without the deadly H5N1 strain, which has spread around the world since 2020, causing the deaths of millions of birds and significant losses among marine mammal populations overseas.

The development has also prompted calls for continued vigilance across the agricultural sector.

National Farmers' Federation president Hamish McIntyre said the discovery was "serious but manageable", noting Australia has successfully dealt with avian influenza outbreaks in the past.

Moving ahead, farmers are being encouraged to review biosecurity plans, ensure staff and visitors understand their responsibilities, and report any unusual illness or deaths among birds or animals to the appropriate authorities.

Surveillance and testing efforts are continuing in Western Australia and across the country, as authorities monitor the situation.