Australia Confirms First Mainland H5 Bird Flu Case

The H5N1 strain was found in a brown skua, a migratory sea bird, prompting a multi-agency response.

Scientists warn that an outbreak could cause widespread animal deaths, as the virus has already devastated bird populations globally.

Australia was previously the only continent without the H5 strain, and the case has now been confirmed.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced the detection, and a second suspected case was being investigated.