Sydney: Australia has confirmed the presence of the highly infectious H5 bird flu virus for the first time on its territory, after tests from a remote scientific mission revealed the disease in southern elephant seals on Heard Island. The confirmation marks a significant development in the spread of the virus and has prompted closer monitoring and strengthened biosecurity measures.
The infected seals were discovered when scientists recorded an unusual increase in deaths among wildlife during a recent expedition to the island.
Samples taken from the animals were sent for analysis, and laboratory results confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of avian influenza, a virus known for spreading rapidly among birds and occasionally affecting mammals.
Heard Island is one of Australia's most isolated territories, located more than 4000 kilometres southwest of Perth and close to Antarctica. The island has no permanent human population, which authorities say reduces any immediate threat to public health or domestic animals. Despite this, experts are treating the situation seriously because the virus has never been confirmed in any part of Australian territory until now.
Scientists say the detection shows how far the virus has travelled globally. The H5 strain has been spreading across continents since 2020, leading to large losses of birds, including endangered species, and infection in animals such as sea lions, seals and even some land mammals. The virus was also detected in Antarctica last year, which experts say may be linked to its arrival on Heard Island.
Wildlife groups and researchers are now concerned about the possible impact on fragile ecosystems in the sub Antarctic region. Heard Island is home to many seabirds and penguin colonies that could be at risk if the virus spreads further. Scientists note that many of these species have no natural resistance and could suffer severe population loss if exposed.
Authorities are planning a follow up expedition to the island in the coming months to study how widely the virus has spread and whether other animals have been affected. Special biosecurity guidelines will also apply to anyone travelling to areas where outbreaks are confirmed to prevent accidental transmission.
Even though the virus is thousands of kilometres from the mainland, Australian biosecurity agencies have increased surveillance in domestic poultry farms and wild bird networks as a precaution. Officials stress that, at this time, there is no sign of the virus spreading beyond the island and no cases of infection in humans in Australia.
Medical experts say the chance of human infection remains low, but continued monitoring is essential because influenza viruses can mutate over time. They also emphasise that international cooperation, early detection and wildlife monitoring are key to managing potential outbreaks.
The confirmation on Heard Island adds Australia to the growing list of regions affected by the global spread of H5 bird flu. Researchers say the next few weeks and months will be critical in understanding whether the detection represents an isolated incident or the beginning of wider transmission in the southern hemisphere