PERTH (dpa-AFX) – The highly contagious H5N1 bird flu virus currently circulating has been detected for the first time on the Australian mainland. Tests confirmed the case in a skua, as the Australian government announced on Saturday. This means that the infectious disease, which is often fatal in many bird and poultry species, has now reached the last continent that has so far been spared from H5N1.
The sick bird, also known as the subantarctic skua or brown skua, was discovered a few days ago on a remote beach in a national park in the state of Western Australia, according to Australian media. The site is about 700 kilometers southeast of Perth. The animal was initially isolated and died shortly afterwards.
In addition, a suspected case is being examined after another weakened bird, a giant petrel, was found in the region, the Australian government said. In both cases these are migratory seabird species that occasionally come to Australia.
Concern about mass spread
Experts are warning in Australian media about outbreaks of the virus in wild animal populations. Native mammal species are also at risk. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins initially gave the all-clear: “I can confirm that there are currently no signs of a mass death and there are also no signs of infection in poultry.”
The authorities are prepared and are working to implement appropriate measures, said Australia’s top veterinary official Beth Cookson. She asked to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. According to Australian authorities, there is a low health risk for the population itself. Further investigations should provide more detailed information about how this dangerous variant of bird flu came to Australia.
Different subtypes of bird flu
Bird flu is also called avian influenza. The largest wave of bird flu ever documented has been raging for several years, stretching across several continents. The pathogen primarily affects birds, but has also been found in several mammals. In rare cases, the H5N1 subtype can also be transmitted to humans.
Migratory birds as vectors of avian influenza
According to experts, migratory birds are carriers of avian influenza, which is often fatal for many bird and poultry species. However, the number of animals found dead does not reflect the actual viral load in the wild bird population. Many waterfowl excrete the virus in their feces without becoming seriously ill themselves, it was said./ddo/DP/he
