Australia Confirms Seventh Seabird Case of H5N1 Bird Flu

Australian authorities confirmed a seventh case of the H5N1 bird flu virus after a giant petrel was found infected in northern Perth. State and territory chief veterinary officers issued a joint statement advising commercial poultry producers to house free-range birds.

The measure aims to reduce contact between farmed poultry and wild birds, which officials identified as the most likely transmission pathway.

Free-range eggs account for about 60 per cent of Australia's market, while cage and barn-laid eggs each represent about 20 per cent. An outbreak among farmed birds could therefore affect a majority of national egg supply. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government would temporarily amend rules to allow producers to move birds indoors while retaining free-range labelling.

She stated there is no evidence the virus has reached farmed flocks or Australia's wild bird populations.

The United Kingdom culled about 5 million chickens, with egg prices rising roughly 50 per cent. Australian Eggs stated last week that industry protocols are in place and production has not been affected. Moriarty urged consumers not to panic-buy and said she would return from planned leave if the situation escalates.

Members of the public are asked to report signs of illness in wild or domestic birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 while avoiding direct contact with sick animals.