WESTERN AUSTRALIA — A migratory seabird found on the Western Australian coast tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, marking the first confirmed mainland detection in Australia. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed a brown skua found unwell on Sunday at Cape Le Grand national park near Esperance died from H5N1.

Tests in Western Australia also indicated a sick giant petrel found in the same area is infected with H5N1. Samples from the giant petrel are being sent to a CSIRO laboratory for confirmation. Officials reported no evidence of mass bird deaths or poultry infections in Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the government allocated $113 million toward H5N1 preparations. "What we’re about is making sure, firstly, that we do whatever we can to restrict the spread." Albanese said. Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson added that the infection has not entered Australian poultry or agriculture production systems.

Cookson said the Western Australian government is conducting ground surveillance to determine if H5N1 is present in wild native bird populations. She advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, photograph them, and report their locations to authorities. A consultative committee for emergency animal disease met on Saturday to discuss test results and response measures including increased surveillance.

"We will know within a few days about whether or not this has established itself in any populations in Australia, or whether it’s migratory birds that have come up from the sub-Antarctic." Collins said. A trained wildlife carer discovered and reported the two infected birds. The H5N1 strain has resulted in millions of bird deaths globally and has infected mammal species including elephant seals. Australia was previously the only continent without confirmed cases of this H5N1 strain, though the disease was detected on Heard Island and the McDonald Islands in October of the prior year.

Governments analyzed which Australian birds and mammals are most susceptible to H5N1. Researchers identified the Tasmanian devil and the orange-bellied parrot as particularly susceptible. Australian fur seals and sea lions were also identified as species at high risk if H5N1 becomes established. Governments have developed over 100 response plans for at-risk animals and protected natural sites, including Ramsar wetlands and islands. Western Australian officials are developing species-specific management plans for the black swan, little penguin, and blue-billed duck.