Australian authorities have confirmed local transmission of the highly virulent H5N1 bird flu strain, marking a new phase in the country's efforts to manage the virus. Julie Collins, the federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, stated on Wednesday that there is evidence suggestive of local transmission for the first time, following 11 new suspected detections in South Australian birds.
These new detections, including four cases on Kangaroo Island, bring Australia's total confirmed cases to 27. The Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases, comprising federal and state authorities, agreed that local transmission has occurred among resident greater crested terns in South Australia.
Dr. Beth Cookson, Australia’s chief veterinary officer, noted that genetic sequencing indicates all confirmed cases are related to sub-Antarctic strains of the virus. Clare Scriven, the SA minister for primary industries, described the development as concerning but not unexpected, given the virus's spread on other continents.
Conservationists have raised fears for the endangered Australian sea lion population, particularly at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, where one of the bird flu detections occurred. Alexia Wellbelove, campaigns director at the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), highlighted the potential for significant wildlife impacts, referencing large-scale sea lion deaths in South America due to the virus. On-beach tours at Seal Bay have been temporarily paused to reduce the risk of infection spread.
Collins stated that the federal government has invested over $113 million in preparation for the virus's arrival and has released a further $24 million with states and territories. Authorities will focus on surveillance and implementing farm biosecurity measures to limit contact between wild birds and poultry. The risk to human health remains low, according to Collins.