Australian authorities have confirmed the original case of H5 bird flu in a native seabird. The infected bird was located on a coastal beach in Western Australia. Testing confirmed the pathogen as H5N1.
Thirteen detections now have been noted in the country, featuring additional cases in South Australia and other beach areas. The findings have triggered alerts across the nation. Officials say the discovery ushers in a 'devastating new reality' for Australia’s native bird populations and will guide next action plans.