Australian authorities have confirmed the initial case of H5 bird flu in a native seabird. The infected bird was found on a coastal beach in Western Australia. Testing detected the virus as H5N1.
Thirteen detections now have been logged in the country, with additional cases in South Australia and other coastal sites. The findings have sparked alerts across the nation. Officials note the discovery ushers in a 'devastating new reality' for Australia’s native bird populations and will shape future response measures.