Sydney, July 5 (SANA) Australian authorities have confirmed the first case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in New South Wales after an infected migratory seabird was found near the coastal town of Hawks Nest.
The detection brings the total number of confirmed H5N1 cases in Australia to six across three states, according to Australian authorities.
New South Wales Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the positive test was the state’s first confirmed detection of the H5 virus. She said there was no evidence the virus had spread to native wildlife and that no H5 infections had been detected in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks or other birds in the state.
Moriarty said supplies of chicken and eggs remain unaffected and urged consumers to continue purchasing the products as usual.
Australian authorities have intensified surveillance and testing of wildlife and livestock since the virus was confirmed on the mainland last month. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged that the government will take all necessary measures to help contain the spread of the disease.
N.J/ABD
