H5 bird flu: Queensland records first suspected bird flu case after dead petrel found on Moreton Island

Queensland has recorded its first suspected positive case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) after a deceased petrel washed up on Moreton Island tested positive during an initial screening.

The sample is now undergoing confirmatory testing at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, with the Federal Government expected to announce the final results. Authorities say there have been no detections of H5 bird flu in Queensland’s native birds or poultry, and no evidence of widespread animal deaths.

The State Government said the risk to human health remains unchanged and urged Queenslanders to continue buying and eating chicken and eggs as normal.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report them to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More to come...