Experts say deadly bird flu strain has 'pandemic potential'
Updated . First published at
Experts have said that the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu that has reached Australia for the first time may carry serious risk to the population, particularly to unique wildlife.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced that a wild migratory seabird with avian influenza was detected in an isolated area in south-west Western Australia.
The H5 strain of bird flu reached Heard Island, an extremely remote Australian territory, late last year, and is now suspected to have been detected on the mainland. AP
The brown skua seabird was found on Cape Le Grand Beach near Esperance on Sunday and has since died.
Molecular Virologist and the Leader of the Infection and Immunity Research Strength at Monash University Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam said that while the strain “has pandemic potential” the current risk of reaching humans remains low.
“The concern is that it is widespread in birds, increasingly detected in mammals, and capable of causing severe human disease after close exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments.
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“The more the virus circulates in birds and mammals, the more opportunities it has to adapt.”
Professor Balasubramaniam said that while the virus poses no immediate threat to the public because it would need to undergo specific mutations, the scientific concern remains real.
On rare occasions, the bird flu can affect humans, although this only happens if a person has close, unprotected contact with infected birds or livestock.
While the strain has been spreading since 2021, there has been no confirmed human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu, however, experts remain on high-alert.
Scientists estimate more than 13,000 southern elephant seals were killed by the H5N1 strain of bird flu on Heard Island. Getty
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman from Adelaide University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences said the potential outbreak could be catastrophic to the nation’s unique fauna.
“This strain of bird flu has caused huge die-offs of birds and sea mammals, particularly seals, sealions and fur seals, across many countries,” he said.
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“Ironically, this news follows recent reporting of the confirmation of approximately 13,000 southern elephant seal pup deaths found on Heard Island last year.”
Australia was the last continent free from H5N1, but concerns grew that it would soon arrive after the strain was detected in the Heard and McDonald Islands, about 4000km south-west of Perth, in October.
Australians are urged not to touch sick or dead birds or animals.
Instead, they are advised to take a photo from a safe distance, record the location and report the incident to birdflu.gov.au.
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