Australia reports 1st suspected mainland case of H5N1 avian influenza

A first suspected mainland case of H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in Western Australia, according to Australian reports. A sick migratory bird found in the southern WA region produced a presumptive positive for H5N1, with samples sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmation, expected on Saturday. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the situation is sobering but manageable and that a meeting of states, territories and experts will coordinate the response. The government has added AUD 11.2 million to outbreak preparedness, bringing total funding to AUD 113 million. The H5N1 strain had been detected previously on Heard and McDonald Islands.