Six new suspected bird flu cases detected in Victoria as concerns grow for wildlife

Six more suspected cases of H5N1 bird flu have been detected in south-west Victoria, according to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Preliminary testing identified five crested terns suspected to have the deadly disease, with three of the birds located in Portland and two in nearby Nelson Bay, as reported by ABC Australia. A further suspected case was announced yesterday in Portland. The samples will undergo further testing at the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

The suspected cases come after Victoria's first positive case of H5 bird flu was confirmed on Thursday, also in Portland. Agriculture Victoria confirmed the virus was detected in a greater crested tern found near Portland. Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said further genetic testing was being conducted to formally confirm the result.

"Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria's State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan," Dr Cooke said. "Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals. Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible, particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry."

Coverage comparison

The H5N1 strain was first detected in Australia in a brown skua discovered in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700 kilometres south-east of Perth, in June, as reported by ABC Australia. The virus has since quickly spread across the southern coast through migratory birds, with a second case in Western Australia confirmed in a giant petrel, and a third case confirmed in South Australia at Knights Beach. Additional cases have since been confirmed in WA, SA, New South Wales, and Queensland.

There are now seven confirmed cases in Victoria, according to ABC Australia. At least 78 cases of the virus have been confirmed across Australia.

Key claims

  • Six more suspected cases of H5N1 bird flu have been detected in south-west Victoria. The suspected cases have been found in crested terns.
  • Preliminary testing has identified five crested terns suspected to have the deadly disease. Three of the birds were located in Portland, and two in nearby Nelson Bay.
  • Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke urged Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and to record and report what they see.
  • The deadly H5N1 bird flu strain has reached Victoria after a positive test in a bird was detected in the state's south-west.
  • Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the virus was detected in a greater crested tern found near Portland.
  • The strain was first detected in Australia in a brown skua discovered in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700 kilometres south-east of Perth, in June.
  • The virus has quickly spread across the southern coast through migratory birds.
  • Environmentalists are concerned about the impact of bird flu on Phillip Island's penguin colony and other wildlife.
  • Victoria's first case of H5N1 was confirmed at Portland on the state's far south-west coast last week.
  • There are now seven confirmed cases in Victoria.
  • At least 78 cases of the virus have been confirmed across Australia.

Perspectives

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer

Dr Graeme Cooke said community observations are important to help authorities monitor and detect the disease. "Their reports support ongoing surveillance and help ensure samples can be collected," he said. He urged Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and to record and report what they see. In light of the detection, Dr Cooke also asked farms to review their biosecurity practices.

Environmental groups

Environmentalists have expressed concern about the potential impact on Phillip Island's penguin colony and other wildlife. Environment Victoria nature campaigns manager Chris Schuringa said if the H5 bird flu reached the island, it could cause "mass deaths" of the little penguin population. "It could be a catastrophic wildlife emergency," she said. "It's very alarming how quickly things are moving. Unfortunately, we are likely to see really high mortality rates once this spreads." Ms Schuringa said the virus could spread to other wildlife on the island, such as the seal colony and other marine animals. "It's really only a matter of time before it spreads to other species. Acting now is critical," she said. Environment Victoria has called on the state government to strengthen its front line response by restoring funding to key departments including Parks Victoria, Zoos Victoria, and biosecurity staff in DEECA.