Australia Confirms Bird Flu: PNG Bans Poultry Imports

Australia has confirmed two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, leading to heightened surveillance and testing measures. Two dead seabirds and a pelican were recently found near Fowlers Bay in South Australia, with tests pending to determine if they are positive for the virus. This follows earlier confirmed cases in Western Australia.

In response to the confirmed cases, Papua New Guinea has suspended all poultry meat and product imports from Australia, despite the Australian poultry sector remaining free of the disease. This ban impacts Australia's largest export market for poultry products, which generated A$44 million in 2023.

Authorities are conducting extensive ground and drone surveillance at sea lion breeding sites along South Australia's coasts and have increased testing frequency in high-risk areas. While human infections are rare, the global spread of avian influenza has significantly impacted poultry flocks and supply chains worldwide. Australia has bolstered farm biosecurity and shorebird testing to manage the threat.