The Australian government warned that the spread of the H5 bird-flu strain is inevitable and significant wildlife losses are expected.
This warning follows the confirmation of a mass mortality event among greater crested terns in South Australia. The highly contagious nature of the virus threatens not only wild bird populations, but also the stability of the national poultry industry.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said that CSIRO laboratory testing confirmed the mass death of the terns [1]. This represents the first mass bird-death event involving this specific species in South Australia [2]. The government is now focusing on preparing poultry producers for an outbreak that officials believe cannot be stopped.
Australia has recorded more than 70 confirmed cases of the H5 bird-flu virus [3]. Because the variant is so contagious, the government believes the primary goal is ensuring producers are ready for the impact.
"The H5 variant is highly contagious and the best authorities can do is to ensure poultry producers are well‑prepared for the outbreak," Collins said [4].
The CSIRO continues to monitor the situation as the virus moves through wildlife populations. The government has cautioned pet owners and poultry farmers to remain vigilant as the virus persists in the environment.
“The spread of the H5 bird-flu strain is inevitable”
The shift in government rhetoric from prevention to preparation indicates that the H5 strain has likely established a foothold in Australian wildlife. By acknowledging that spread is inevitable, the government is prioritizing the economic protection of the poultry sector over the attempt to eradicate the virus from the wild, where mass mortality events are already occurring.
