Australia detects first H5N1 bird flu case, virus now on every continent

Australia confirmed its first mainland case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza after a dead brown skua was found in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia, with a second suspect case in a giant petrel. The detection ends Australia’s status as the last continent without the virus, meaning H5N1 is now present on all continents. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said no poultry infections or mass wildlife deaths have been observed and the risk to human health remains low. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the finding “concerning” and pledged measures to contain spread. New Zealand’s biosecurity minister Andrew Hoggard warned the country is prepared but urged farmers and the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to report any signs of illness. Experts noted the virus has already caused large die‑offs of seabirds and over 13,000 southern elephant seal pups on sub‑Antarctic islands, highlighting significant wildlife threats even as human risk stays minimal.