Seven new suspected H5N1 bird flu cases reported in Australia
Canberra, July 27
Authorities in South Australia on Monday reported seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.
Clare Scriven, SA's minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, told reporters that all seven new suspected cases were found in greater crested terns located on the state's southeast Limestone Coast.
Of the suspected new cases, she said five were found in the same town over two days. Samples from all seven birds were initially tested by local authorities and have now been sent for confirmatory testing by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to determine if local transmission has occurred.
Once confirmed, it would take the total number of H5N1 cases in Australia to 27 after the highly pathogenic strain was first detected on the mainland in mid-June.
SA's Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean said while speaking alongside Scriven that local authorities would increase surveillance in areas where they expect to see seabirds considered high-risk species for carrying the deadly strain, including crested terns.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said earlier on Monday that there have been no H5N1 mass mortality events in Australia and there has been no evidence of the strain in poultry or agricultural systems.
She said that the risk to human health remains low, Xinhua news agency reported.
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that is easily transmitted between birds. It is a zoonotic disease (a disease that transmits from animals to people), that is less well-adapted to mammals. However, mammalian infections are increasing and mammal to mammal transmission has occurred.
Between 2003 and December 2025, the World Health Organization reported 477 deaths from 993 confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza globally.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Glad to hear human risk is low, but the fact that mammal-to-mammal transmission has occurred is worrying. India should step up surveillance at our ports and airports—migratory birds don't respect borders.
477 deaths out of 993 cases since 2003... that's a scary fatality rate. But it's good that Australia is testing and monitoring early. India's animal husbandry department must take note. Better safe than sorry!
Respectfully, I think the article is underplaying the risk. "Human risk remains low" is what they said about COVID initially too. We need more transparency from governments globally on these zoonotic threats.
As someone who follows wildlife closely, greater crested terns are migratory. This could easily spread to Asia. India must coordinate with Australia and WHO on this. Our wetlands in Chilika and Keoladeo could be at risk.
I'm a poultry farmer in Tamil Nadu. We've already lost income due to fears of bird flu. Australia needs to act fast, but I hope people don't panic and start killing birds unnecessarily. Biosecurity is key, not culling everything. 🐔
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