A suspected new case of H5 bird flu has been detected in Western Australia, potentially marking the country's fifth suspected or confirmed detection of the virus, local media reported on Friday.
The suspected case involves a giant petrel found at Roses Beach near Esperance, according to ABC News.
Samples from the bird have been sent for laboratory testing. Another suspected case near Dunsborough is also awaiting test results.
Three confirmed cases so far
Australia has so far confirmed three H5 bird flu cases in migratory seabirds — two in Western Australia and one in South Australia, while two additional cases remain under investigation in Western Australia.
Western Australia Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said there is currently no evidence that the virus has spread to local wildlife or poultry.
"There have been no detections in poultry, and there have been no reports of large-scale mortalities," Jarvis said.
Of the five giant petrels reported at Roses Beach, only one returned a suspected positive result, while the other four tested negative, officials said.
The findings suggest there is no evidence of disease transmission on the Australian mainland.
