Australia has reported its first suspected mainland case of “H5N1” bird flu in a remote part of Western Australia.
Authorities said a migratory seabird called a brown skua tested positive for avian influenza in Cape Le Grand National Park, and further tests are now being done to confirm the exact strain.
State Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said the case is being treated seriously and a rapid national response will follow if H5N1 is confirmed.
Australia had been the sole continent to avoid the H5 strain of bird influenza that wreaked havoc among animal populations across the globe.
The virus has already spread across wild birds and animals in many parts of the world since 2021, causing large deaths in birds and some infections in farms and workers.
Australia is currently the only continent without a confirmed mainland case of the deadly strain. However, H5 cases were earlier detected on Heard Island, a remote Australian territory near Antarctica. The country has already been preparing for such a risk by improving biosecurity, testing wild birds, and planning emergency responses.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said the situation would be concerning if confirmed, but added that preparations have been ongoing for years. Officials expect final test results soon, while another sick bird found in the same area is also under investigation.
Wildlife experts warn that the virus could seriously affect native species, including endangered shorebirds and sea lions. They say the outbreak, if confirmed, could pose a major risk to Australia fragile wildlife population.
