Suspected H5 bird flu detected in Western Australia
A sick migratory skua found at Cape Le Grand near Esperance, Western Australia, returned a suspected positive test for H5 avian influenza, federal authorities confirmed. This is the first suspected detection of H5 on the Australian mainland after earlier detections on Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. Authorities have launched targeted surveillance, warned people not to touch sick or dead birds, and asked the public to report sightings to birdflu.gov.au while labs complete confirmatory testing. H5 strains have killed millions of birds and mammals worldwide, raising conservation and biosecurity concerns for Australia’s native species and the poultry sector.
Well, the day had to come. “Bird flu” flies into Australia on a feathered wing. Lock up the chooks! According to Australia's national broadcaster, Western Australia (WA) is the site for the first importation to the Australian mainland - via a bird - of an avian influenza virus of an H5 type…
RTarlinton.bsky.social4Urggh , I mean yes it was inevitable but it still sucks, absolutely devastating here in Europe ( still is 5 years after the first cases) . Good luck and remember this isn’t something you can eradicate ( vaccination has to be part of the mix)
Ian M. Mackay, PhD (he/him) 🦠🤧🧬📑🦟🧀2Nod within to @fla-medic.bsky.social who runs a blog with many good pieces on A/H5N1
