Australia has confirmed its first case of H5 strain of bird flu
During a press conference, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the virus was detected in a seabird found in a remote area of Western Australia and was subsequently confirmed by the country’s national science agency.
Authorities also collected samples from another sick bird in the same area, which has yielded a suspected positive result.
Collins emphasized that there is currently no evidence of mass bird deaths and no indication that the virus has spread to poultry populations.
In response to the detection, Australia has intensified its preparedness measures against H5N1, including stricter farm biosecurity protocols, testing of birds along coastal areas, and vaccination efforts for vulnerable species.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will do everything necessary to prevent the possible spread of the virus and protect the country’s agriculture and wildlife sectors.
(COURTESY: Graphic Era)
