Australia has confirmed its first mass wildlife die-off linked to the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu, after dozens of greater crested terns were found dead or sick on an island off the coast of South Australia, local media reported on Monday.
The birds were discovered during aerial surveillance on Baudin Rocks, about five kilometres (3 miles) south of Cape Jaffa, on Friday. Samples later tested positive for H5 avian influenza, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Australia, the last continent to remain free of the virus until June 14, had previously detected H5 only in migratory seabirds, mainly giant petrels, along the coasts of South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.
The country has now recorded 74 confirmed cases, including 54 in South Australia, 10 in Western Australia, seven in Victoria, two in New South Wales and one in Queensland.
Wildlife losses expected
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the first mass mortality event had been anticipated.
"Sadly, we do know that once the H5 bird flu is spreading in wildlife and the natural environment, it is not possible to avoid significant losses," she said.
Collins stressed there was no evidence the virus had spread to poultry or commercial farming operations and said the risk to human health remained low.
Environment Minister Murray Watt warned Australians should expect further outbreaks affecting native wildlife.
"You can't stop native and wild birds flying around, and you can't stop wild animals moving around, and that will mean more mass mortality events like the one we have now seen," he said.
Authorities have activated Australia's national H5 bird flu response plan, backed by an additional A$24 million ($15.5 million) in combined federal and state funding.
