Australian authorities have reported the original case of H5 bird flu in a native seabird. The infected bird was located on a northern beach in Western Australia. Testing confirmed the virus as H5N1.
Thirteen detections now have been noted in the country, including new cases in South Australia and other shorelines. The findings have set off alerts across the nation. Officials say the discovery ushers in a 'devastating new reality' for Australia’s native bird populations and will guide next action plans.