Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a native species after a greater crested tern was found dead [1].
The infection marks a critical shift in the regional outbreak, as the virus has now jumped from migratory birds to local wildlife. This development increases the risk that the highly pathogenic strain could spread across the continent and affect other native bird populations [3].
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the case occurred Friday, July 10. The bird was discovered dead on Tuesday, July 9, at Robe Marina on the Limestone Coast of South Australia [1, 2]. Testing conducted by the CSIRO confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain [1].
"CSIRO lab testing has confirmed the deadly H5N1 strain in a greater crested tern found in South Australia's Limestone Coast," Collins said [1].
Prior to this discovery, all other confirmed cases of bird flu in the region were found in migratory seabirds. Collins said, "It is the first confirmed infection in an Australian seabird, with all other cases being found in migratory seabirds" [2].
While there is one confirmed case in native wildlife [1], reports on the total national case count vary. Some reports indicate there have been 12 reported cases nationally [4], while other sources suggest the number is lower [4].
Experts said the jump to a local species is a dramatic escalation. They said the virus may now be capable of spreading further into the interior of the country [3].
“"It is the first confirmed infection in an Australian seabird, with all other cases being found in migratory seabirds."”
The transition of H5N1 from migratory visitors to resident species suggests the virus has established a foothold in the local ecosystem. This increases the likelihood of endemic transmission, potentially threatening biodiversity and creating new challenges for agricultural biosecurity in Australia.
