Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in migratory seabird

CANBERRA, Australia — Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a migratory seabird found in a remote coastal area in the country's southwest. The infected bird, a shearwater, was discovered at Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, roughly 700 kilometers southeast of Perth. Laboratory tests confirmed the H5N1 strain in the bird, according to the minister. Officials said the detection marks the virus's first confirmed appearance on the Australian mainland. Australia had been preparing for the arrival of H5N1, which has spread across multiple continents and devastated bird populations elsewhere. Preparedness measures include tightening biosecurity on poultry farms, testing coastal birds, vaccinating threatened species and running response exercises. The agriculture ministry said further surveillance was underway in the region but gave no immediate details on additional detections. No human cases have been reported.