Australia reports 1st suspected mainland case of H5N1 avian influenza

Australia's mainland faces the specter of H5N1 as Western Australia reports its first suspected case of the deadly avian influenza. Initial tests on a sick migratory bird found in southern WA returned a suspected positive result, with samples sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmation, due Saturday. Federal authorities have convened a meeting of states, territories and experts to coordinate response as outbreaks continue globally since 2020. Health and agriculture funding has been boosted by 11.2 million AUD, bringing total outbreak preparedness to 113 million AUD. The Heard and McDonald Islands previously detected H5N1 cases, underscoring ongoing risk.