Australia confirms first case of H5N1 bird flu as virus reaches every continent

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Australia reports first H5N1 bird flu cases

   H5N1 bird flu has been detected in seabirds in Western Australia near Esperance. This confirms the virus has reached every continent. Experts are now evaluating the risks to humans, wildlife, and agriculture.

   What's confirmed:

   • H5N1 bird flu was detected in seabirds near Esperance in Western Australia.
   • The virus has now spread to every continent.
   confidence 100%
2. 3d ago

   H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in Western Australia

   Australia has detected its first cases of H5N1 bird flu in seabirds. This discovery means the virus has now spread to every continent. The cases were found in Western Australia near Esperance.

   What's confirmed:

   • The H5N1 bird flu virus was confirmed in two seabirds in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia.
   • The virus was detected in seabirds near Esperance, Western Australia.
   • Australia was the last continent where the H5N1 bird flu strain had not been found.
   • The virus has now reached every continent.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The virus arrived in Australia from Antarctica via seabirds.
   • Wild ducks are the next host to watch.
   • No poultry have been affected and human risk is low.
   • Ballarat's black swans are highly susceptible to the virus.
   confidence 95%
3. 5d ago

   Australia Confirms First H5N1 Bird Flu Case

   Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu. This detection marks the virus reaching every continent. The Australian government has vowed to contain the outbreak.

   What's confirmed:

   • Australia confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu.
   • The H5N1 virus has now reached every continent.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • A seabird tested positive for bird flu, leading to an investigation of the first suspected case in mainland Australia.
   • Thousands of baby seals died on two remote sub-Antarctic islands.
   confidence 90%