Bird flu off the coast of Australia: deadly H5N1 suspected on the continent for the first time

A suspected case of H5N1 bird flu virus infection has been registered in Australia.

As reported by BAKU.WS, preliminary tests conducted on a dead migratory seabird found in Cape Le Grand National Park in the state of Western Australia showed a possible positive result for the presence of the virus. If the case is confirmed, it will be the first registered detection of H5N1 on the Australian continent.

Officials stated that laboratory investigations are ongoing, and the final results will be announced in the coming days.

Western Australia's Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis stated that the situation is under strict monitoring, and in the event the virus is confirmed, a national emergency response plan will be immediately activated.

Experts, in turn, warned that the H5N1 virus is capable of causing serious damage to local wildlife.