Share this @internewscast.com
A deadly strain of bird flu has reached has reached one of Australia’s sub-Antarctic islands, the federal government has confirmed.
The confirmation on Tuesday comes after researchers from the Australian Antarctic Program observed unusually high levels of mortality among elephant seals on Heard Island — part of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, an Australian external territory — last month.
“While this detection of H5 bird flu on Heard Island does not substantially increase risks to Australia, it does reinforce the ongoing need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for a potential outbreak,” Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said in a statement.
The results are not unexpected and do not substantially increase Australia’s current risk level, the government said.

Australia remains the sole continent spared from an outbreak of the highly infectious H5N1 strain, a virus that first emerged in 1996.

A map showing with Heard Island is in relation to Australia

According to SBS News, recent tests revealed no unusual bird fatalities on the island, including among penguin populations and other seabirds.

Globally, there has been a surge in H5N1 outbreaks in recent years, affecting both wild and domestic animal populations. It is estimated that millions of birds, both farmed and wild, have succumbed to the virus.

Notably, last year marked the first time that cattle were added to the list of animals affected by the virus, following its spread across several farms in the United States.

While Heard Island is very remote — located more than 4,000 kilometres south-west of Perth and 1,700 kilometres north of Antarctica — scientists say there’s still a possibility the disease could reach the Australian mainland.
That’s thanks to migratory birds, said Sanjaya Senanayake, specialist in infectious diseases at the Australian National University’s School of Medicine and Psychology.
“Birds can fly anywhere — there’s always the risk that this could happen, just as it has in the United States,” Senanayake told SBS News in October. “It is a reminder that this can happen.”

Last year, cattle were added to the list of animals infected by the virus after it spread across farms in multiple US states.

Senanayake said that means surveillance will be key, encouraging testing and quarantining to occur early if there’s even the “slightest suspicion” that bird or cattle populations in Australia are sick.
The Albanese government is investing more than $100 million to strengthen bird flu preparedness and enhance Australia’s national response capability, Collins said.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said researchers were monitoring the global spread of bird flu “so that we are equipped with the best possible information for when it reaches our shores”.
He added that a second voyage to Heard Island, which is scheduled to arrive in late December, will gather further information about wildlife health.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

BAFTAs Controversy: Understanding Tourette Syndrome and the Public’s Reaction

In Brief John Davidson says he’s “deeply mortified” after shouting an “involuntary…
New Zealand's Prime Minister has said he will back any plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession. It comes as British ministers are understood to be considering legislation to remove Andrew from the line of succession once a police investigation has concluded. Christopher Luxon's announcement that he would support removing the shamed former prince came after Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to do the same. A spokesperson for Mr Luxon, New Zealand's premier, said: 'If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it. The UK Government has said any proposals would come after the police investigation concludes.'

New Zealand Approves Historic Move: Prince Andrew Removed from Royal Line of Succession

New Zealand’s Prime Minister has expressed his willingness to endorse any initiative…
A severe weather warning is in place for heavy rainfall across central Victoria tomorrow.

Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Predicted to Drench Victoria

Victorians have been warned to brace for severe weather today with thunderstorms,…
'BUYER BEWARE': Trump's new tariff threat after court smackdown

Trump Responds to Court Setback with New Tariff Warning

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose bigger tariffs on countries…

Developer Announces Plans for Trump’s Tower on Gold Coast, Set to Become Australia’s Tallest Building

In brief A property developer says he has signed a deal with…

Authorities Intensify Search for Abducted Grandfather Chris Baghsarian in Rural Areas

IN BRIEF 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped from his home more…
Herzog was invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, but it has not been confirmed which politicians the Israeli President will meet during his visit.

Albanese Safely Evacuated from Prime Minister’s Residence Following Security Alert

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was swiftly evacuated from his official residence in…
Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail to be 'shovel-ready' in two years

High-Speed Rail Link Between Sydney and Newcastle Set to Reach ‘Shovel-Ready’ Status in Two Years

The federal government has poured another $230 billion into planning for a…

Detectives Investigate Mysterious Death at Swanston Mental Hospital

In Brief A man is under police guard after a body was…
Dr Simon Gordon

Renowned Surgeon Faces Allegations of Unwarranted Endometriosis Procedures

A prominent Melbourne surgeon is under investigation over allegations he performed unnecessary…

Victoria Prepares for Intense Storms and Potential Flooding

In Brief Storms have lashed Victoria since Tuesday afternoon. Severe storm, flood…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Albanese Supports Move to Remove Former Prince Andrew from Royal Lineup

Despite being eighth in line for the British throne, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s potential…