Bird flu reaches Australian territory
The Australian government has confirmed the highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian influenza has reached the sub-Antarctic remote Australian territory of Heard Island.
The presence of the disease was first suspected in October when scientists visiting the island witnessed a high mortality rate in the elephant seal population.
Now, the virus’ presence has been confirmed after samples collected from deceased seals tested positive to the virus.
“More sampling, wildlife health monitoring and assessment of potential impacts will occur during a second expedition to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands,” said Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, “which is scheduled to arrive at Heard Island in late December.”
What does this mean for mainland Australia?
Due to the remoteness of Heard Island (about 4,100 km south-west of Perth) Australia’s official ‘bird flu free’ status remains unchanged.
“Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu,” said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins. “[But] it does reinforce the ongoing need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for a potential outbreak.”
If – or many say ‘when’ – H5N1 does reach mainland Australia, the consequence will be dire.
“While [the Heard Island case] may seem to be little threat to us here on mainland Australia, epidemiologists are concerned. There is a growing consensus that this ‘bird flu’ will reach mainland Australia at some point, and it will likely have a devastating impact on our wildlife,” said Flinders University epidemiologist, Associate Professor Jacqueline Stephens.
