Bird Flu Detected in Second Australian State as H5 Virus Spreads

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Canberra : Australia has confirmed the highly contagious H5 bird flu strain in a second state, raising concerns about the spread of the virus among migratory birds.

Authorities detected two H5 cases in Western Australia and are investigating a third suspected case in South Australia. Officials said there is currently no evidence that the virus has spread to poultry farms or the country's agricultural production system, and the risk to human health remains low.

The discovery marks a significant development for Australia, which was long the only continent free of the H5 strain that has caused major outbreaks in birds and other animals worldwide.

Scientists believe the virus is currently confined to migratory seabirds and has not spread to other vulnerable native wildlife. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid concerns about potential impacts on Australia's unique animal species and poultry industry.

The H5 strain has caused widespread losses globally and was recently linked to the deaths of more than 13,000 elephant seal pups on Australia's remote Heard and McDonald Islands in the sub-Antarctic.

Pic Credit: AFP