Australia Confirms Second Case of H5N1 Bird Flu

Australia has confirmed a second case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza after a migratory seabird found on a remote beach in Western Australia tested positive for the virus.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the infected bird was discovered shortly after authorities confirmed the country's first known mainland case in a wild brown booby over the weekend.

Both birds were found near the coastal town of Esperance, around 570 km southeast of Perth.

The Western Australian government said it would take all necessary measures to prevent the virus from spreading. Authorities have already tightened farm biosecurity, increased surveillance of coastal bird populations and begun vaccinating vulnerable animal species.

Collins said officials were working closely with meat and egg producers to keep the virus out of commercial flocks.

Major poultry producer Inghams has imposed a precautionary quarantine on all of its farms and processing facilities in Western Australia. The company said no infections have been detected in its poultry operations.

The global spread of avian influenza has devastated bird populations in recent years, disrupted food supply chains and contributed to higher food prices.

(reuters, max)