Avian flu H5N1 reaches Australia's native seabirds – concerns over unique wildlife

After the virus had initially been detected only in migratory birds from the subantarctic region, authorities have now confirmed a total of twelve cases of H5N1 in wild birds in Australia. The currently raging avian flu was only detected in June on the last continent that had previously been spared.

Risk to mammals and unique species

The highly contagious H5N1 avian flu virus continues to spread in Australia and is causing growing concern for the country's unique wildlife. The dangerous avian flu also jumps to mammals. Seals, as scavengers and bird hunters, are particularly at risk.

Authorities are investigating whether a deceased Australian fur seal – a species of seal – in the state of New South Wales was also infected. Because seals are scavengers and hunt birds, they can easily become infected if they eat infected birds or their carcasses.

Skye Fruean, chief veterinarian for the state of South Australia, called it a worrying development. The virus spreads "relatively easily from bird to bird, but requires close contact – similar to seasonal flu in humans." Fruean described H5N1 as a particularly dangerous variant of avian flu.

Authorities see no mass die-off yet

Minister Collins stressed, however, that at least so far there is no evidence of a mass die-off in wild animals or a spread into agricultural stocks. The largest ever documented wave of avian flu has been spreading across several continents for several years.

Experts are already wondering what the spread could mean for globally unique animals such as koalas, kangaroos or Tasmanian devils. Jose Quinteros, a lecturer in poultry science at the University of Sydney, told the news portal News.com.au a few days ago that Australia's wildlife is so unique and isolated that it is not protected against new pathogens. "It is impossible to predict what will happen," Quinteros said.

Conservationists have been warning for years

Maureen Christie of the conservation organization Friends of Shorebirds SE recalled earlier warnings: "For years we have been saying: it is not a question of whether the virus comes, but when. But now that it is actually here, it is simply devastating." The detection in a crested tern is considered a wake-up call, because native seabirds regularly come into contact with migratory birds at sea and along the coast.

H5N1, also known in German as Geflügelpest, is often fatal in many bird and poultry species. The Australian authorities announced that they would continue to step up surveillance of wild birds, seals and agricultural operations. It remains unclear how far the virus has already spread among native populations.