After mass seabird death event, Australia warns of wider H5N1 bird flu threat

Australia has issued a warning about the potential for a wider spread of H5N1 bird flu following its first mass mortality event among seabirds. This incident involved approximately 50 greater crested terns found dead off the coast south of Adelaide. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed that testing identified H5N1 in 49 dead and 35 sick terns discovered near Cape Jaffa on Friday. Collins stated, "Australians should expect to see more spread and larger numbers now of wildlife being affected," noting this is the first confirmed mass mortality case. While 74 cases have been confirmed across Australia, primarily in South Australia, there is currently no evidence of the virus on Australian farms. The virus has caused widespread deaths globally, but the risk to humans remains low.