Beth Cookson

Beth Cookson is a veterinarian with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia. She is involved in the response to the discovery of H5N1 bird flu in wild birds. Recently, a sick giant petrel was found on Wylie Bay beach near Esperance and brought into care on June 18th. This bird was subsequently tested for H5N1. The detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in wild birds led to the lockdown of Western Australian poultry farms as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread. Cookson's role highlights the critical work being done by veterinary professionals to monitor and manage potential outbreaks of diseases like H5N1, which pose a significant risk to both wildlife and the agricultural sector.