Castaways Beach, Noosa: Queensland records second potential H5N1 bird flu case in a shearwater

A second potential case of H5N1 bird flu has been detected in a migratory bird in Queensland.

A deceased shearwater was found on Noosa’s Castaway Beach and, after initial testing, returned positive for bird flu on Monday night.

The testing was completed at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory.

Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the discovery was made as part of the state’s enhanced surveillance program, reported Noosa Today.

“A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it,” she said.

“This is one of more than 3,000 reports in Queensland to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and I thank the public for their support.”

The samples have now been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for further testing.

It comes a month after a deceased petrel washed up on Moreton Island and tested positive during an initial screening.

There has been no detection in the poultry industry, nor any mass mortality events in Queensland.

Dr Crook said the state was well equipped to handle the outbreak, which has now been reported in most Australian states.

“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” she said.

She encouraged anyone who found any sick or dead birds or wildlife to avoid contact and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More to come...