Collins told reporters in Canberra that the virus was identified in a brown skua and confirmed by the national science agency. Samples from another giant petrel also showed suspected positive results. “While disappointing, this is not surprising given the global spread of H5,” Collins said, stressing there is no evidence of mass die-offs or infections among poultry.

Globally, the H5 strain has caused severe outbreaks and high mortality among poultry, wild birds, and mammals. Cases have been documented in cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. Australian scientists reported Thursday that H5 led to the death of more than 13,000 elephant seal pups at breeding colonies on Heard and McDonald Islands in the southern Indian Ocean.

Authorities emphasized that Australia had long anticipated eventual detection of the virus, noting that the country cannot remain permanently shielded from avian influenza. The government is monitoring the situation closely, with biosecurity measures in place to protect domestic livestock and public health.