Suspected mass bird flu deaths found in second state as Murray Watt warns ‘this is the beginning’

Mass bird deaths suspected to be H5 bird flu have been detected in a second Australian state, south-west Victoria, following confirmation of the first mass mortality event off the coast of South Australia. Environment Minister Murray Watt stated this marks the "beginning" of a potentially "long and difficult journey" with more mortality events likely. Aerial surveillance in Victoria identified a cluster of dead and sick greater crested terns, with samples pending confirmation. In South Australia, CSIRO analysis confirmed H5 bird flu in birds at Baudin Rocks and identified new cases in other locations, including a petrel in the Coorong wetlands, raising concerns about potential spread to waterbirds.

Australia's Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, has confirmed the country's first mass mortality episode of H5N1 bird flu in seabirds. Testing revealed the virus in 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns found off the coast south of Adelaide. Officials warn that further spread among wildlife is likely, as wild birds cannot be prevented from moving. While the virus has not been detected on Australian farms, poultry flocks have been secured since its initial detection in June. This event follows years of preparation by Australia and New Zealand for the virus, which has caused significant global losses in poultry and wildlife.