Seven more cases of H5 avian influenza have been detected in New South Wales
The government of the Australian state of New South Wales has confirmed seven new cases of H5 avian influenza along the state's remote southern coast. The virus was detected in two great crested terns and a giant petrel in Narumi, as well as in four great crested terns in Merimbula, according to ABC News Australia.
State authorities will change their reporting procedures: going forward, they will not publish data on each individual case but will instead use an “event-based” reporting system. An “event” refers to an investigation that may involve one or more birds.
In Merimbool, biosecurity warning signs have been posted at popular swimming spots—Spencer Park and near the Mitchies Jetty. Visitors are urged not to come into contact with sick or dead birds and marine animals.
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Prior to the latest detections, five separate cases of H5 had been reported in the state. These were also detected among great crested terns and giant petrels in Narumi and Eden on the southern coast, in Wentworth in the western part of the state, and at Hawks’ Nest on the Mid-North Coast.
Ecologist Steve Sass said the new cases are cause for concern, but did not come as a surprise to him. According to him, this strain is highly contagious and is spreading. He also noted that great crested terns are commonly found in coastal areas, so further deaths among this species can be expected.
Avian influenza has also been detected in other parts of Australia. In South Australia, authorities identified three instances of mass bird deaths involving more than a thousand crested terns; H5N1 is believed to be the likely cause of their deaths. In Tasmania, more than two dozen penguins were found dead within a week of the H5 outbreak.
