Australia's first cases of H5 avian influenza confirmed

Positive results for H5 avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed in two seabirds found in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. The Australian CDC has said the current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is “low”.

“Bird flu rarely spreads to people — transmission requires close contact with infected birds or other infected animals, or contaminated environments,” the Australian CDC said. “Spread between people is very rare.”

The sample from the first bird was identified via testing as the globally circulating H5 influenza A strain of concern (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b), the Australian CDC said. It is the first time this H5 subtype (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) has been found in an animal in Australia, and the same subtype that has caused mass mortality in poultry, wild birds and sea mammals globally.

The Australian CDC advised: “Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly — practise good hand hygiene by washing your hands and utensils after handling animals, eggs or raw meat.”

In the wake of the detection, the Australian CDC said, to assess the risk to human health, it will continue to work closely with relevant agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

The Australian CDC has provided guidance for public health units — on how to respond to bird flu, including people infected with bird flu or people exposed to the virus — and people who work with birds and wildlife.

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