Avian influenza detected on Macquarie Island for first time
H5 bird flu reached Macquarie Island for the first time, detected in a seal and a gull.
H5 bird flu has been found on Macquarie Island, a World Heritage wildlife sanctuary in the Southern Ocean between Tasmania and Antarctica. The virus was confirmed in a southern elephant seal and a kelp gull, marking the island's first outbreak.
The island became a sanctuary in 1933. It is home to penguin colonies, seal populations and seabirds.
Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer said there is no sign of mammal-to-mammal spread. There have been no cases found in poultry or farm animals.
H5 was detected in wild birds in Tasmania earlier this year. Authorities ask anyone who finds sick or dead animals to stay away.
They should report what they see.
- 1933
- Sanctuary established
- 1997
- World Heritage status granted
- Southern elephant seal and kelp gull
- Animals found infected
- 1800 675 888
- Emergency hotline
Why it mattersBird flu can kill large numbers of wildlife and marine mammals. Wild birds move around the world, so authorities cannot stop the virus from spreading.
AustraliaThreatens penguin, seal and seabird populations in Australia's most remote sanctuary, with no way to prevent the virus spreading among wildlife.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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