Australia says checking for more H5 bird flu infections

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PERTH: Australia is actively investigating whether the H5 bird flu virus has become ‘entrenched’ in its wildlife following the detection of the country's first two cases.

Scientists confirmed the H5 strain in a brown skua and a giant petrel found on a remote beach in Western Australia. Over the next three to seven days, experts will increase surveillance and testing to determine if the virus has spread further.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that while the discovery of the virus on the continent is significant, the situation currently involves only ‘two birds on an isolated beach’. She confirmed that Australia's agricultural systems and poultry industry remain free of the disease.

Previously the only continent without H5 detections, Australia now faces potential risks to its unique fauna. Environment Minister Murray Watt described the arrival of the virus as disappointing but not unexpected.