H5 Bird Flu Cases Detected Again, Australia Steps Up Surveillance

The Australian government has confirmed a new case of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu in the southern part of the country, bringing the total number of detected cases to three, according to local media reports cited by ANTARA on Wednesday (24/6). The latest case was found in a wild migratory bird, prompting local authorities to increase surveillance as the virus is reported to be spreading along Australia’s southern coastline. South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said the new case was detected in a giant petrel found at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The bird was one of two sick seabirds that were cared for by a wildlife rescue group on 14 June. Both were subsequently tested for possible viral infection. The latest laboratory results confirmed one bird tested positive for the H5 strain, while the other was declared negative. In addition to the discovery at Knights Beach, two other sick birds found at Fowlers Bay were also examined. Both of those birds tested negative for bird flu. This latest finding follows two previously confirmed cases near Esperance in Western Australia. Those cases involved a migratory brown skua seabird and another bird found on a remote beach. Both tested positive for the same deadly strain. With the additional case in South Australia, local authorities are increasing vigilance against the spread of H5 bird flu among wild birds, particularly in coastal areas. Surveillance is focused on regions that serve as migratory bird routes and locations where sick seabirds have been found. This measure is being taken to monitor the development of cases and anticipate further spread. As of the time of this report, the total number of H5 bird flu cases detected in Australia, based on the information in this text, stands at three.