H5 Bird Flu Likely Spreading Locally in Australia, Authorities Warn

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Adelaide: Australian authorities say the H5N1 bird flu virus is now very likely spreading locally among wild birds, marking a significant development in the country's response to the outbreak.

Officials said genome sequencing confirmed local transmission between greater crested terns in South Australia, with 11 new suspected cases detected in the state's south-east and on Kangaroo Island. More infections in native wildlife are expected as surveillance continues.

The H5N1 strain has now been detected in four Australian states, but authorities stressed there have been no infections in commercial poultry and no mass bird deaths linked to the virus so far.

The government has urged the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report any suspected cases, while experts continue monitoring the spread of the virus among Australia's wild bird population.

Pic Credit: AFP