Australian authorities have confirmed the original case of H5 bird flu in a native seabird. The infected bird was located on a remote beach in Western Australia. Testing confirmed the pathogen as H5N1.
Thirteen detections now have been recorded in the country, featuring fresh cases in South Australia and other coastal sites. The findings have set off alerts throughout the country. Officials note the discovery ushers in a 'devastating new reality' for Australia’s native bird populations and will guide upcoming mitigation steps.