The first suspected case of a deadly and contagious strain of bird flu has been detected in Australia, the federal government has warned.
Detection in Western Australia
The alarm was raised following testing on a sick migratory bird found in southwestern WA.
“If it is confirmed to be the H5 bird flu, this will be sobering but not unexpected given the spread globally,” Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said.
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Further Testing Underway
Samples have been sent as part of further testing, with the results expected on Saturday.
Australia is the only continent that has remained free from H5 bird flu, which has killed poultry and even mammals around the world.
More to come.
