Another suspected case of the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu has been detected in Western Australia, adding to growing concern as the nation records its fifth confirmed or suspected case of the virus.
Two cases have already been confirmed in migratory seabirds in WA, along with one in South Australia. The latest suspected detection reported at Roses Beach near Esperance is now undergoing testing, as is another case identified near Dunsborough earlier in the week.
WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said there is still no evidence of transmission to local wildlife, stressing that poultry flocks remain unaffected.
“There have been no detections in poultry, and there have been no reports of large‑scale mortalities,” she said.
Authorities have been relying heavily on passive surveillance, with members of the public reporting sick or dead birds to help track the virus’s spread. The approach prompted an emergency meeting of the Wildlife Emergency Advisory Group on Thursday to assess Australia’s response as cases continue to emerge.
Chris Purnell, BirdLife Australia’s migratory shorebirds manager, said passive surveillance remains essential but urged authorities to increase active monitoring in regions where cases have already been detected.
A recent report from a member of the public highlighted the urgency: five giant petrels were found on Roses Beach on June 21, triggering the latest round of testing.
As Australia confronts the possibility of further spread, officials are calling for continued public vigilance and rapid reporting of any unusual bird deaths to help contain the threat.
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