Avian flu spreads among local Australian birds
Sydney (30 July)
The H5N1 flu – a potent variant of the avian flu – has spread between multiple greater crested terns that reside in coastal South Australia (SA), according to the Australian Government’s Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases.
Australia has recorded 27 confirmed detections of H5N1, including 14 in SA, since late June, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins told reporters on 29 July. Authorities suspect that another 11 greater crested terns in SA have contracted the virus, Collins added.
“[But] there [have] been no detections [of H5N1] in any poultry or agricultural industries in Australia and that the risk to human health remains low,” Collins said.
Australian authorities initially detected H5N1 in migratory seabirds passing through coastal areas. The virus’ spread to local bird populations could lead to increased wildlife infections and deaths, according to the Government.
“We do know from the overseas experience that once the virus becomes more widespread in wild bird populations, it will not be possible to avoid losses in susceptible wildlife in the natural environment,” Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson said.
“There are a range of birds that occupy those coastal habitats, and [the Government will work] to determine whether there has been any onward spread and whether there are any other [infected] species,” Cookson added.
The Government has urged poultry farmers to review their biosecurity plans, limit contact between wild birds and kept birds, and prevent contamination of food sources and equipment.
H5N1 has a mortality rate of 75% - 100% in poultry and some wild birds, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The virus has infected 207 million American birds across 1023 backyard flocks and 1028 commercial flocks since February 2022, data from the US Department of Agriculture show.
Outbreaks also pushed up American retail egg prices by about 9% in 2024, according to estimates from researchers at the University of Arkansas.
By Avinash Govind