Two birds detected with deadly H5 bird flu on Western Australian coast

The first strain of the deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia.

Two animals found on the Western Australian coast have been found carrying the disease.

Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said there have been detections in migratory birds across the globe that have not gone on to spill into wild animal populations, but that risk increases overtime.

“It is very early in our investigation, we have two confirmed sick birds in an isolated region on the coast of Western Australia,” she said.

“We’re taking every action now to make sure that those are appropriately investigated and putting the call out to the community to help identify whether or not there are other sick animals.

“It’s almost inevitable, let’s say, that there will be spread in wild populations of birds and mammals.”

More to come.