Queensland has recorded its first suspected positive case of the deadly H5 bird flu strain in a wild seabird.
Samples from a deceased petrel found on Moreton Island have tested positive during initial testing at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory. Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing.
The first case of the H5 bird flu, which has decimated wildlife and poultry farms since it was first discovered more than 20 years ago, was reported in Western Australia on June 20, with further detections in wild seabirds in WA, SA and NSW.
“There remain no detections in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland,” the Department of Primary Industries said in a statement on Friday.
“The community is being urged to continue to report sick or dead wild birds.”
Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer, Allison Crook, said the suspect positive detection was expected and Queensland is well prepared for the next steps.
“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” Dr Crook said.
“The Queensland Government is well prepared to respond. This suspect positive result has not impacted our poultry sector or native wildlife,” she said.
“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” Dr Crook said.
“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.”
