Seven suspected new bird flu cases are 'evidence of spread' into Australian wildlife, experts warn
News Source
β’Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:30:18 GMT
π° What Happened
South Australia has reported seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5 bird flu. All seven birds are greater crested terns, a common local seabird. They were found along the Limestone Coast in south-eastern SA. Locations include Cape Jaffa, Southend Jetty near Beachport, and Port MacDonald near the Victorian border.
BirdLife Australia's chief executive Kate Millar says this shows the outbreak is 'now taking hold and is evidence of spread'. She compared it to a bushfire: the first infected birds from the subantarctic were like embers, and now finding it in local seabirds is like seeing smoke. Experts warn the government can no longer say the disease has not spread into local wildlife.
π The Backstory
The H5 bird flu strain has killed millions of birds worldwide over the past few years. It arrived in Australia via migratory birds from the subantarctic. Until now, authorities hoped the outbreak was contained to those initial cases. The virus is deadly to birds and can sometimes spread to mammals.
Australia is one of the last continents to be hit by this strain. The government has biosecurity measures in place to protect poultry farms. Greater crested terns nest in large colonies, which makes them very vulnerable to the disease. A major outbreak could wipe out local seabird populations and threaten Australia's poultry industry.
π― Why It Matters
Bird flu can affect the price of eggs and chicken at the supermarket. If it spreads widely, it could also harm native birds and even pose a risk to other animals and humans.
South Australia has reported seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5 bird flu. All seven birds are greater crested terns, a common local seabird. They were found along the Limestone Coast in south-eastern SA. Locations include Cape Jaffa, Southend Jetty near Beachport, and Port MacDonald near the Victorian border.
BirdLife Australia's chief executive Kate Millar says this shows the outbreak is 'now taking hold and is evidence of spread'. She compared it to a bushfire: the first infected birds from the subantarctic were like embers, and now finding it in local seabirds is like seeing smoke. Experts warn the government can no longer say the disease has not spread into local wildlife.
The H5 bird flu strain has killed millions of birds worldwide over the past few years. It arrived in Australia via migratory birds from the subantarctic. Until now, authorities hoped the outbreak was contained to those initial cases. The virus is deadly to birds and can sometimes spread to mammals.
Australia is one of the last continents to be hit by this strain. The government has biosecurity measures in place to protect poultry farms. Greater crested terns nest in large colonies, which makes them very vulnerable to the disease. A major outbreak could wipe out local seabird populations and threaten Australia's poultry industry.
Bird flu can affect the price of eggs and chicken at the supermarket. If it spreads widely, it could also harm native birds and even pose a risk to other animals and humans.