Australia has confirmed its first H5N1-linked mass wildlife mortality event, with testing identifying the virus in 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns at Cape Jaffa in South Australia, after authorities last week tracked suspected infections along the state's Limestone Coast.
The national confirmed caseload has reached 74, with aerial surveillance detecting mass bird deaths in Victoria, the second state affected. CSIRO confirmed 18 new South Australian cases spanning multiple species and sites, while Victoria reported sick and dead terns at the Glenelg estuary and Lawrence Rocks.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the die-offs were anticipated and human health risk remains low, while Environment Minister Murray Watt warned that wild bird movements will likely drive further outbreaks. A national H5 management plan has been activated with A$24 million in additional state and federal funding. No evidence of the virus has been found on Australian farms.