Australia bird flu spread reaches all six states

The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain has spread across all six Australian states, posing a significant threat to both wildlife and agricultural sectors. Recent detections in Tasmania, including a brown skua and a crested tern, mark the virus's expansion into the state. In Victoria, the virus has been confirmed in wild birds near Western Port Bay, a critical habitat for many threatened species.

Authorities are implementing various biosecurity measures to mitigate the impact. In South Australia, reporting methods are shifting toward tracking disease events rather than individual birds to better identify emerging risks. In Western Australia, the Perth Royal Show has cancelled its poultry exhibits as a precautionary measure.

Conservation efforts are a primary focus, as the virus threatens unique native species. Plans are underway to vaccinate captive populations of at-risk birds, such as the orange-bellied parrot. Experts warn that the virus could potentially impact other iconic Australian wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, platypuses, and dingoes, through contact with infected environments.