The deadly H5N1 bird flu strain has now been detected in Victoria, marking another step in the virus’s spread across Australia’s southern coastline.
Agriculture Victoria confirmed a greater crested tern found near Portland, in the state’s south-west, tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain.
The discovery comes just days after authorities confirmed local transmission of H5N1 for the first time in Australia among greater crested terns in South Australia.
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The virus first arrived in Australia in June when it was detected in a brown skua at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in Western Australia.
Since then, it has spread through migratory seabirds, with further detections including a giant petrel in Western Australia and infected birds at Knights Beach in South Australia, close to the Victorian border.
Authorities have since confirmed additional H5N1 cases in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, as biosecurity agencies continue monitoring the virus’s spread.
While the current detections have been confined to wild birds, officials remain on high alert amid concerns the highly contagious strain could threaten Australia’s native wildlife and poultry industry.
