Sydney: Australia has detected the H5 strain of bird flu for the first time, ending its status as the last continent free from the highly contagious virus. The strain was found in a migratory brown skua in remote Western Australia, while a second b
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Sydney: Australia has detected the H5 strain of bird flu for the first time, ending its status as the last continent free from the highly contagious virus.
The strain was found in a migratory brown skua in remote Western Australia, while a second bird, a giant petrel, also tested positive. Authorities say there is currently no evidence of infections in poultry or large-scale bird deaths on the mainland.
The discovery has triggered emergency meetings among agriculture and animal health officials as the government prepares measures to contain any spread.
Scientists warn the virus could pose a major threat to Australia's unique wildlife, with species including little penguins, black swans, Tasmanian devils and Australian sea lions considered vulnerable.
The H5 strain has already caused devastating outbreaks worldwide and recently killed more than 13,000 elephant seal pups on Australia's remote sub-Antarctic islands.
