Second wild migratory bird tests positive for H5 avian influenza

A second wild migratory seabird has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in NSW, prompting authorities to continue enhanced surveillance while stressing there is no evidence the virus has spread to native birds or commercial poultry. The latest detection was confirmed after samples from a giant petrel found at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, tested positive for H5 at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, following preliminary testing at the NSW Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute. The bird was found after a member of the public reported it, with the case identified through the national surveillance program established to detect and respond rapidly to incursions of the virus. Acting Agriculture Minister Yasmin Catley said the latest detection showed the state’s monitoring program was working as intended.