Additional testing of the previously reported migratory giant petrel found in the Whitfords - Mullaloo beach area has determined the case is a ‘presumed positive’ detection of the serious H5 bird flu strain.
Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed the petrel had an influenza virus of the H5 subtype.
The case has been classified as a presumed positive because viral sequencing to confirm the virus as H5 bird flu was not able to be achieved.
The inability to obtain a sequence may be due to a range of factors, including the level of decomposition of the carcass.
WA Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Katie Webb said it was considered highly likely the bird was infected with H5 bird flu, but this could not be definitively proven at this stage.
“This case will be considered as ‘presumed positive’ based on the available test results, species involved, coastal location and the broader epidemiological picture,” Dr Webb said.
“This does not change our response in WA. We are treating this the same as a positive case based on the available epidemiological and laboratory evidence.”
This presumed positive case adds to the six confirmed positive detections of H5 bird flu nationally, including four in WA on the southern and south west coasts, one in South Australia and one in New South Wales.
Importantly, there is no evidence the virus has spread beyond these individual migratory seabirds, but we ask the community to be alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead wildlife.
People should AVOID and not handle the animals, RECORD and take photos or a video and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.
There have been more than 1000 reports from WA to the EAD hotline since Friday 19 June. Of these reports, 172 have been prioritised by DPIRD for further investigation or testing based on the risk of H5 bird flu.
To date, a total of 64 negative test results have been recorded across the State.
More information is available on the Australian Government's Bird flu (avian influenza) website.
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